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OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 


,-A 


rurAi 
^dffi 


in 


ENTR\NCE  DOOR  OF  MAGDALEN  CHAPEL,  COWGATE,  EDINBURGH. 


OLD    SCOTTISH 
CLOCKMAKERS 

From   1453  to   ^5° 


COMPILED  FROM  ORIGINAL  SOURCES 
WITH  NOTES 

BY  JOHN    SMITH 

AUTHOR  OF  "THE    HAMMERMEN    OF    EDINBURGH    AND    THEIR    ALTAR 
"MONUMENTAL     INSCRIPTIONS    IN    ST    CUTHBERT'S    CHURCHYARD, 
EDINBURGH  "   (SCOTTISH   RECORD  SOCIETY  SERIES)  ;   ETC. 


SECOND  EDITION— REVISED  AND  ENLARGED 


WITH    ILLUSTRATIONS 


EDINBURGH 

OLIVER   AND   BOYD,  TWEEDDALE   COURT 

LONDON:   33   PATERNOSTER   ROW 

1921 


FOREWORD 

THE  abundance  and  variety  of  Clocks  and  Watches  every- 
where needs  no  comment  here.  They  are  part  of  our  daily 
life,  and  it  is  safe  to  say  that  no  other  article  of  domestic  or 
public  utility  has  so  many  enduring  associations. 

Perhaps  these  latter  are  more  emphasised  in  what  are 
commonly  termed  "  Grandfather  Clocks,"  a  name  which  at 
once  suggests  honoured  ancestors  long  since  departed. 
Throughout  the  length  and  breadth  of  Scotland  they  are 
to  be  seen,  and  they  are  treasured  by  their  possessors 
amongst  the  most  valued  of  heirlooms.  Although  many 
owners  could  readily  tell  to  whom  their  clocks  belonged 
originally,  yet  how  few  could  give  any  information  about 
the  craftsmen  who  made  and  left  so  many  fine  specimens 
of  their  skill  behind  them.  It  is  only  but  fair  that  the 
names  of  these  patient  and  clever  men  should  be  held  in 
remembrance.  For  that  purpose  this  compilation  has  been 
undertaken. 

In  1903  a  first  edition  of  this  volume  was  published, 
and  its  instant  success  made  clear  that  its  contents  were 
acceptable  to  a  very  large  number  of  people.  The  names, 
data,  and  notes  there  given  were  reproduced  in  numerous 
papers  and  magazines  all  over  the  country,  so  much  so 
that  the  intense  interest  aroused  stimulated  me  to  make 
further  inquiries  which  are  embodied  in  this  volume.  It 
may  be  mentioned  that  the  occurrence  of  the  Great  War 
prevented  its  appearance  sooner. 

The  subject  is  one  of  some  difficulty,  as  most  of  the  men 
pursued  their  daily  labours  in  obscure  villages  and  country 
districts,  and  never  had  an  opportunity  of  being  chronicled 
in  written  or  printed  records.  The  fortunate  practice  of 

vii 

974483 


viii  FOREWORD 

affixing  their    names   on  their   handiwork  is  the  only   clue 
available. 

A  careful  search  into  likely  sources  has  unearthed  a 
mass  of  information  which  is  surprising.  The  printed  and 
documentary  notes  quoted  are  in  a  large  number  of  instances 
almost  the  words  of  the  men  themselves,  and  we  thereby 
get  a  peep  into  the  thoughts  and  trade  customs  of  the 
period  in  which  they  lived.  In  addition,  several  cognate 
matters,  such  as  parentage,  marriage,  and  other  personal 
details  about  some  of  the  craftsmen  have  been  inserted, 
making  this  issue  practically  a  new  and  fresh  contribution  to 
our  knowledge  of  the  rise  and  progress  of  one  of  the  most 
important  arts  in  Scotland.  The  present  volume  does  not 
claim  to  give  the  name  and  date  of  every  clock  and  watch- 
maker working  in  Scotland  during  the  period  reviewed. 
In  a  field  of  such  an  unknown  and  wide  range,  allowance 
must  be  made  for  omissions  and  errors.  Our  aim,  primarily, 
was  to  rescue  and  preserve  the  memory  of  men  who  in  their 
day  and  generation  made  themselves  equal  in  capabilities 
to  their  English  contemporaries  who  lived  and  worked  in 
more  favourable  surroundings. 

My  sincere  thanks  are  due  to  a  number  of  noblemen  and 
gentlemen  who  freely  granted  permission  to  view  and 
reproduce  some  of  the  clocks,  etc.,  in  their  possession. 

A  selection  of  North  of  England,  Irish,  and  Isle  of  Man 
clock  and  watch  makers  is  given  in  the  Appendix.  These 
are  culled  from  a  variety  of  sources  for  the  purpose  of 
increasing  the  scope  of  this  work. 

JOHN  SMITH. 

25  ST  JAMES'  SQUARE, 
EDINBURGH,  1921. 


LIST   OF   ILLUSTRATIONS 

No. 

1.  Entrance   Door  of  Magdalen   Chapel,    Cowgate, 

Edinburgh  ......         Frontispiece 

2.  Clockmakers'  Land,  Bow,  Edinburgh  .  .     Face  page       \ 

3.  Electro- Magnetic     Clock,    by    Alexander     Bain, 

Edinburgh .  .  .  .  .  .  ,,  32 

4.  Parliament  Square,  Edinburgh,  in  the  Eighteenth 

Century      .......  42 

{Long  Case  Clock,  in  Marquetry  Case,  by  Andrew 
Brown,  Edinburgh  .  .  .  .  „  .  58 

Long  Case   Clock,   in   Walnut  Case,  by  Thomas 
Gordon,  Edinburgh  .  .  .  .  „  58 

6.  Pinchbeck  Watch,  with  Enamelled  Back,  by  John 

Cleland,  Edinburgh  .  .  .  .  „  82 

7.  Eight-Day  Clock,  in   Mahogany  Case,  by  James 

Craig,  Glasgow     ......  90 

8.  Bracket    Chiming   Clock,   in  Walnut   Case,  with 

Ormolu     Mountings,     by     Alexander    Dickie, 

Edinburgh.  .  IO8 

9.  Movement  of  Non-Dial  Chiming  Clock,  installed 

in  St  Giles'  Kirk,  Edinburgh,  made  and  pre- 
sented by  Messrs  James  Ritchie  &  Son,  Leith 
Street,  Edinburgh  .  .  .  .  ,,136 

{Long  Case  Clock,  in  Marquetry  Case,  by  Thomas 
Gordon,  Edinburgh  ....,,166 

Long  Case   Clock,  in   Coloured  Marquetry  Case, 
by  Paul  Roumieu  .         '    .  .  !66 

11.  Musical    Clock,    in    Mahogany    Case,    by    John 

Hamilton,  Glasgow  ...  182 

Musical  Clock,  in  Elm   Root    Case,  by  Anthony 

12.  J       Jeeves,  Edinburgh  .  .  .  .  „  206 

Long  Case  Clock,  in  Oak  Case,  by  James  Cowan, 

.      Edinburgh ,,206 

ix 


x  LIST   OF    ILLUSTRATIONS 

No. 

13.  Eight-Day  Clock,  in  Mahogany  Case,  with  Seconds 

Hand  from  Centre,  by  Normond  Macpherson, 

Edinburgh  ......     Face  page    232 

14.  Magdalen  Chapel,  Cowgate,  Edinburgh      .  .  „  236 

15.  The   Belfry   and    Clock-Dial,    Magdalen    Chapel, 

Edinburgh  .......  246 

^Chamber  Clock,  by  Humphrey  Mills,  Edinburgh  .  „  256 

16.  J  Facsimile  of  Brass  Fret    on  Chamber    Clock,  by 

(^      Humphrey  Mills,  Edinburgh  „  256 

17.  Lantern  or  Chamber  Clock,  in  Unique  Oak  Case, 

by  Humphrey  Mills,  Edinburgh  ,,  268 

I  Long  Case  Clock,  in  Mahogany  Case,  by  James 
Nicoll,  Edinburgh  286 

Long  Case  Clock,  in  Oak  Case,  by  Thomas  Gordon, 
Edinburgh  ......  286 

19.  Bracket    Clock,    in    Mahogany   Case,    inlaid    with 

Brass,  by  James  Ritchie  &  Son,  Edinburgh     .  „  316 

20.  Watch,  with  Silver  Dial  and  Gold  Centre,  by  Paul 

Roumieu,  Edinburgh  „  324 

2 !•  f  Elaborate  Musical  Clock,  by  J.  Smith,  Pittenweem  ,,  354 

22.  I                        ,,         Enlarged  View  of  Principal  Dial  ,,  360 

,,                         „             Music  Dial        .  „  362 

,,                          „             Procession  Dial  ,,  364 

25.     Eight-Day  Chime  Clock,  in  Mahogany  Case,  by 

John  Smith,  Pittenweem  ....,,  386 


2, 

24.  ^ 


INTRODUCTION 

THE  extent  to  which  the  use  of  clocks  and  watches  prevailed 
throughout  Scotland  during  the  fifteenth  and  sixteenth 
centuries  cannot  now  be  definitely  ascertained.  That  there 
were  a  number  of  public  clocks  in  various  parts  of  the 
country  so  widely  situated  as  Peebles,  Stirling,  Dundee,  etc., 
as  early  as  the  middle  of  the  fifteenth  century,  has  now  been 
satisfactorily  proved,  and  gives  rise  to  the  surmise  that 
Scotland  could  compare  favourably  with  England,  and  even 
with  the  Continent,  as  far  as  numbers  are  considered  at  so 
early  a  period. 

All  the  evidence  available  as  to  the  time  of  their  intro- 
duction into  Scotland  shows  that  the  citizens  of  the  larger 
towns  were  not  only  acquainted  with  such  timekeepers, 
but  appeared  to  be  quite  familiar  with  their  convenience  as 
compared  with  sundials.  Along  with  this  the  provision 
made  sometimes  for  their  purchase,  and,  in  all  cases,  for 
their  upkeep  and  repair,  shows  that  they  were  costly  articles 
to  buy,  and  that  their  maintenance  was  a  severe  tax  on  the 
owners.  Probably  introduced  under  the  auspices  of  the 
Church,  naturally  the  attention  needed,  after  their  erection, 
was  under  the  care  or  supervision  of  a  priest.  In  a  number 
of  the  old  records  of  such  places  as  Peebles,  Stirling,  and 
Dundee  (q.v.),  it  will  be  observed  how  careful  the  citizens 
themselves  were,  both  in  the  purchase  of,  and  attention  to, 
their  public  clocks. 

Possibly  if  more  of  these  old  Burgh  Records  were  looked 
into,  and  we  can  only  mention  here  that  a  very  large  number 
throughout  Scotland  have  not  been  investigated,  surprising 
evidence  would  be  found  bearing  on  the  early  use  of 
"  knoks."  The  priestly  supervision  proves  that  they  were 
of  foreign  manufacture,  and  although  the  natives  at  that 


xii  INTRODUCTION 

time  were  ignorant  of  their  mechanism,  this  state  of  matters 
did  not  continue  long,  for  towards  the  end  of  the  fifteenth 
and  the  opening  years  of  the  sixteenth  century  native  artisans 
arose  who  soon  became  quite  competent  to  manufacture 
and  repair  these  clocks.  Certainly  they  were  not  a  large 
number,  and  what  there  were  appear  to  have  had  their 
hands  pretty  full.  We  only  mention  two — William  Purves 
and  David  Kaye,  and  in  the  extracts  given  from  the  Burgh 
Records  of  Aberdeen,  Dundee,  Stirling  and  Edinburgh,  it 
will  be  observed  that  the  services  of  these  men  were  in 
great  demand.  Probably  there  were  more,  but  their  names 
have  not  been  preserved.  All  through  the  sixteenth  century 
the  numbers  were  limited,  and  not  until  the  beginning  of  the 
seventeenth  century  do  they  appear  to  have  increased  ;  and 
strange  to  say,  the  large  towns  seem  to  have  had  the 
fewer.  This  is  made  very  clear  in  the  notes  on  the 
Magdalen  Chapel,  Edinburgh,  where,  in  language  sometimes 
quaint  and  even  pathetic,  the  struggle  which  the  Hammermen 
of  Edinburgh  had  in  settling  on  a  maker,  and  the  trouble 
and  expense  incurred,  are  described.  By  1650  clockmakers 
increased  in  number  and  came  to  be  recognised  as  a  branch 
of  the  locksmith  trade,  and  as  this  made  them  members  of 
the  various  Hammermen  Incorporations,  the  minutes  of 
their  transactions  record  the  progress  and  encouragement 
given  to  the  art  of  Clockmaking. 

These  Incorporations  were  of  old  foundation — Edinburgh 
dating  from  1483 — and  there  is  scarcely  a  town  or  district 
in  Scotland  which  has  not  had  a  Hammermen's  Incorporation, 
some,  of  course,  being  of  later  creation.  Each  had  its 
independent  jurisdiction,  and  all  of  them  did  not  at  the  same 
period  allow  clock  and  watch  makers  to  become  members. 
Among  the  first  to  do  so  was  Edinburgh  in  1646,  Glasgow, 
1649,  Haddington,  1753,  and  Aberdeen,  by  some  oversight 
not  till  1800. 

It  is  interesting  to  notice  that  by  the  middle  of  the 
eighteenth  century  clockmakers  reached  a  high  state  of 
excellence  in  the  making  of  the  ordinary  movements  of  a 
timekeeper ;  but  instead  of  endeavouring  to  simplify  parts 
or  make  new  improvements,  a  large  number  of  capable 
men  devoted  their  time  and  ingenuity  to  constructing  clocks 


INTRODUCTION  xiii 

with  curious  movements.  It  may  here  be  stated  that  there 
is  no  account  to  be  found  of  any  Scotsman  registering  a 
patent  in  connection  with  clock-making  during  the  whole  of 
the  eighteenth  century.  These  clocks  appear  to  have  been 
regarded  as  the  "  Hall  Mark  "  of  a  craftsman's  ability,  and 
culminated  in  the  productions  of  John  Smith  of  Pittenweem, 
details  of  which  are  fully  given  in  the  notes  on  clocks  of 
that  maker  on  p.  353. 

As  the  nineteenth  century  rolled  on  this  class  of  work 
fell  into  abeyance,  and  out  of  it  arose  the  manufacture  of 
astronomical  clocks,  which  not  only  required  great  ingenuity 
in  their  construction,  but  very  accurate  calculations  for  their 
performance.  Fortunately  Scotland  had  men  equal  to  the 
task  of  making  such  clocks,  and  we  need  only  mention  Thomas 
Reid  and  Robert  Bryson,  whose  productions  in  that  class  of 
work  bear  testimony  to  the  great  skill  and  excellence  our 
native  craftsmen  arrived  at. 

The  period  when  watches  began  to  be  used  and  made  in 
Scotland,  is  one  of  which  no  authentic  information  can  be 
given.  During  the  sixteenth  century  watches  in  Scotland 
were  undoubtedly  of  foreign  make,  and  probably  regarded  as 
curiosities.  Limited  in  number,  they  are  credited  as  being 
mainly  in  the  possession  of  royal  personages.  Except 
David  Ramsay  (q.v.),  who  was  regarded  as  being  the  first 
Scotsman  to  manufacture  a  watch,  there  is  none  other  who 
could  be  named  as  a  contemporary  at  this  period  in  Scotland. 
The  Edinburgh  Hammermen's  records  are  silent  as  to 
watches  and  watchmakers  in  the  sixteenth  century,  and  it 
is  not  until  the  close  of  the  seventeenth  century  that  we  find 
any  mention  of  them.  The  arrival  of  the  Roumieus,  1677  to 
1717,  gives  us  authentic  data  to  go  upon,  and  from  this 
period  onwards,  the  manufacture  of  watches  in  Scotland 
reached  a  high  state  of  excellence  that  has  not  been  equalled 
by  any  other  country. 

The  adoption  of  Free  Trade  and  other  factors  had  a 
direct  influence  on  these  old  trade  incorporations.  The 
consequence  was  a  failure  of  direct  supervision  of  the 
workmen  and  apprentices.  This,  combined  with  the  im- 
portation of  the  cheap  American  clocks,  helped  to  extinguish 
an  industry  and  a  class  of  craftsmen  who  had  been  as 


xiv  INTRODUCTION 

necessary  in  every  village  and  town  as  the  doctor  or  minister. 
The  cheapness  of  these  imported  movements  made  it  im- 
possible for  our  own  craftsmen  to  compete  with  them,  and 
a  wave  of  mistaken  prejudice  having  arisen  against  the 
preservation  of  these  long  case  clocks,  large  numbers  were 
destroyed  for  no  other  reason  than  that  they  were  thought 
to  be  old-fashioned. 

About  1880,  the  artistic  education  of  all  classes  brought 
about  a  different  state  of  opinion.  The  desire  of  lovers  of 
the  quaint  and  useful  to  acquire  a  genuine  specimen  of 
these  old  craftsmen's  art  soon  created  a  demand  which  has 
quite  outgrown  the  supply.  In  connection  with  this  demand 
there  has  arisen  a  practice  that  deserves  the  severest 
condemnation — large  numbers  of  clock  cases  being  spoiled 
by  the  introduction  of  inlays  quite  foreign  to  the  period 
when  the  clock  was  made.  It  is  perhaps  unnecessary 
to  mention  these  absurdities  as  they  are  easily  seen  on  a 
case  that  is  overdone,  the  old  maker  using  only  lines  or 
banding  of  the  wood,  with  perhaps  a  shell  or  two  in  the 
door  and  base,  making  a  fitness  of  the  whole  that  appeals 
at  once  to  the  beholder.  Of  course  we  do  not  allude  to 
marquetry,  which  is  a  different  treatment,  but  considerable 
care  should  be  exercised  in  buying  a  clock  with  the  case 
largely  and  often  vulgarly  decorated.  The  same  warning 
applies  to  cases  that  are  carved,  plain  oak  cases  being 
nearly  always  selected  for  this  maltreatment.  It  is  not 
unusual  to  see  a  case,  beautiful  in  proportion,  of  the  orthodox 
Chippendale  design,  completely  disfigured  with  what  appears 
to  be  Old  Scotch  or  Jacobean  carving,  a  treatment  that 
belongs  to  a  period  long  before  Chippendale  lived,  and,  to 
complete  the  absurdity,  with  a  date  added  which  the  maker's 
name  on  the  dial  proves  to  be  a  gross  fabrication. 

This  warning  was  given  in  the  former  edition  of  this 
work,  and  it  is  encouraging  to  see  that  it  has  borne  fruit, 
for  the  practice  has  fallen  greatly  into  abeyance.  The 
information  in  this  volume  as  to  when  these  makers  lived 
makes  it  a  difficult  matter  to  hoodwink  those  who  pay  any 
attention  to  the  subject,  and  who  can  at  once  detect  the 
work  of  the  fabricator. 

During  the  past  ten  years  or  so,  large  numbers  of  queries 


INTRODUCTION 


xv 


have  been  received  from  possessors  of  old  clocks,  asking  if 
the  maker  is  considered  a  good  one.  Many  of  these  queries 
have  been  sent  from  America,  Australia,  and  other  parts 
of  the  world.  The  same  answer  applies  to  all,  if  after  a 
period  of  one  hundred  or  more  years  the  clock  still  performs 
its  useful  duty  well,  no  better  reply  can  be  made  than  the 
clock  itself  gives  as  to  the  merits  and  capabilities  of  its 
maker. 

J.  S. 


CLOCKMAKERS'  LAND,  Bow,  EDINBURGH.    Now  demolished. 

House  and  Workshop  on  fourth  floor  of  Paul  Roumieu,  the  first  watchmaker 
established  in  Edinburgh,  1677-94.  Drawn  by  T.  H.  Walker,  Esq.,  from  the 
measured  drawing  by  the  late  Thomas  Hamilton,  1830.  (See  p.  323.) 


[To  face  page  1. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 


ABERCROMBIE,  JAMES.     Aberdeen,  1730.  j  '  *;t\  ;  %• 

ABERDEEN.     Notices  regarding  the  Common,-  ClQcks;r)f  ; 
the  Burgh  of,  from  the  year  1453  to  the  year  1^92. 

22nd  May  1453. — "The  same  day  has  granted  the 
said  Aldermen  and  Council  to  Johne  Crukshanks  the 
service  of  keeping  of  the  orlage  for  this  year  and  to 
have  for  his  fee  for  the  service  of  it,  xls.,  and  has  sworn 
the  great  oath  to  do  his  delligent  business  to  the 
keeping  of  it." 

22nd  November  1493. — "  The  said  day  the  Aldermen 
and  divers  of  the  Council  and  community  present  for 
the  time,  for  the  bigin,  reformation  and  upholding  of  the 
common  knok  in  the  tolbooth,  granted  to  David  Theman, 
goldsmith,  forty  shillings  of  the  three  booths  under 
the  tolbooth — for  the  quhilkis  [which]  the  said  David 
and  his  assigns  shall  duly  big,  reform,  and  uphold  the 
said  knok,  by  sight  of  the  town  as  efferis." 

4th  April  1533. — "The  said  day  the  provest,  bailies 
and  council,  conducit  and  feit  William  Wallace  to 
jule,  set,  guide  and  keegjtheir  knok  of  the  tolbooth, 
7or  the  quhilkis  they  promised  him  yearly  during 
their  will  four  merkis  (Scottis),  for  the  payment  of 
the  quhilkis  they  assigned  the  mails  [rents]  of  the 
booths  under  the  tolbooth — that  is  to  say,  ilk  booth  ane 
merk — and  ordained  the  master  of  wark  to  pay  him 
yearly  another  merk  in  complete  payment  of  the  said 
four  merks.  And  the  said  William  obliged  himself 
to  mend  the  said  knok  and  make  her  sufficient  and  as 
sufficient  as  ony  man  in  Scotland  can  make  her,  for  the 
quhilkis  the  town  shall  pay  him  xxs.,  that  is  to  say, 

i  A 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

xs.  now  in  hand,  and  the  other  ten  when  the  knok  is 
sufficiently  mended  and  strikes  as  she  suld  do." 

loth  January  1535. — "  The  said  day  the  council 
present  for  the  time  commanded  and  ordained  their 
provest  Andro  Cullane  to  send  their  Tolbooth  knok  to 
Flanders,  and  cause  mend  the  same,  and  gif  it  can  nocht 
be  mendit  to  buy  them  an  new  knok  on  the  town's 
expence." 

\2th  January  1536. — "The  said  day  the  provest  and 
council  present  for  the  time,  ordained  Andro  Cullane 
to  write  for  the  man  that  makis  the  touns  knokis  and 
•cause  '"him  to  come  home  with  the  same  and  set  her 
up  at  the  town's  expence,  and  what  expence  he  makes 
thereon  he  shall  be  thankfully  paid  of  the  same  again." 

2-$rd  July  1537. — "The  said  day  the  provest  and 
council  present  for  the  time  thought  expedient  and 
ordained  that  their  own  knok,  which  was  reformed  and 
mended  by  Friar  Alexander  Lyndsay,  should  be  set 
and  input  again  in  the  most  convenient  place  of  their 
tolbooth  where  she  might  be  securely  kept,  and  that  to 
be  done  immediately  by  the  advice  of  the  correkar  of 
the  same  at  the  tounis  expensis." 

\$th  October  1537.  —  "The  said  day  the  council 
devised  and  ordained  that  there  should  be  five  merkis 
given  to  Friar  Alexander  Lyndsay  for  the  completing  of 
their  knok,  quhilk  they  ordain  to  be  taken  up  of  the 
readiest  of  their  mails  [rents]  of  Don." 

^th  October  1538. — "The  said  day  the  council  assigns 
five  merks  to  be  given  to  David  Bruce  yearly  by  the  dean 
of  guild  for  his  good  service  to  be  done  in  keeping  and 
tempering  of  their  knok  within  the  Tolbooth  for  his  fee." 

27 th June  1539. — "The  said  day  the  council  ordained 
Mr  Andrew  Tulidaf,  dean  of  guild,  to  pay  William 
Purves  five  merks  (Scottis)  for  the  mending  of  their 
knok  in  the  tolbooth,  the  quhilk  he  delivered  to  him 
at  command  of  the  provest  this  day  and  was  discharged 
thereof  (on  the  quhilk  he  took  note)." 

This  William  Purves  is  undoubtedly  the  same  clock- 
maker  who  was  a  burgess  of  Edinburgh  in  1540;  see 
notes  also  on  the  clocks  of  Dundee  and  Stirling  Burghs. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  3 

July  1539. — "The  bailies  ordained  Mr  Andrew 
Tulidaf,  dean  of  guild,  to  pay  Robert  Vyschert  xs. 
for  the  painting  of  the  tolbooth  horologe  within  viij 
days." 

22nd  May  1548. — "The  said  day  Robert  Hovesoun, 
valcar,  is  convicted  by  the  sworn  assize  for  the  spoiling 
of  the  tounis  knok  of  their  tolbooth,  and  the  said 
Hovesoun  is  ordered  to  reform  and  mend  the  said  knok 
by  the  aid  of  craftsmen  as  far  as  he  hath  skaythit 
[spoiled  or  damaged]  her  in  any  way,  and  for  the 
offence  done  the  assize  ordered  him  to  come  on  Sunday 
come  eight  days  and  gang  sark  alane,  bare  feet  and 
bare  leg,  afore  the  procession  with  an  candle  of  wax 
of  ane  pound  weight  in  his  hands,  and  there  after  to  ask 
the  provest  and  bailies  forgiveness  on  his  knees  in  the 
town's  name — and  if  he  commit  ony  sick  lik  faut  in  time 
to  comeing  to  be  burnt  on  the  cheek  and  banished 
the  town  during  the  tounis  willis." 

Jth  April  1560. — "The  said  day  the  bailies  ordered 
Johnne  Lowsoun,  treasurer,  to  pay  and  deliver  to  David 
Elleis  xxxiijs.  iiijd.  for  the  keeping  of  the  knok  of  the 
tolbooth,  from  the  decease  of  William  Barclay  quhill  the 
feast  of  Whitsunday  next  to  come." 

%th  December  1582. — "The  said  day  the  haill  council 
being  warned  to  this  day,  ratified  and  approved  the 
contract  made  between  the  council  and  Jon  Kay 
Lorymer,  anent  the  mending  of  the  town's  three  knoks 
and  buying  from  him  of  the  new  knok,  for  payment 
to  the  said  Jon  of  two  hundred  merks  conform  to  the 
said  contract  and  consenting  to  the  lifting  and  raising 
of  the  said  sum  of  the  haill  burgess  of  guild  and 
craftsmen  of  the  said  burgh,  and  to  be  taxed  every  one 
according  to  their  power  and  possession." 

\Jth  December  1595. — "The  said  day  the  provest 
and  council  considering  that  the  two  common  knokis  of 
the  burgh,  to  wit,  the  kirk  knok  and  the  tolbooth  knok, 
since  Martinmas  last  has  been  evil  handled  and  ruled  and 
hes  nocht  gane  during  the  said  time,  therefore  feit 
Thomas  Gordone,  gunmaker,  to  rule  the  said  two  knokis 
and  to  cause  them  gang  and  strike  the  hours  rightly 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

both  day  and  night  quhilk  the  said  Thomas  promised 
faithfully  to  do,  for  the  quhilk  the  council  ordained 
him  to  have  for  his  pains  in  ruling  both  the  said  knokis 
weekly  six  schillings  aucht  pennies." 

2$t/t  January  1597. — "The  quhilk  day  the  provest, 
bailies,  being  conveened  upon  the  supplication  presented 
to  them  by  David  Andersone,  younger,  bearing  that  he 
had  devised  an  instrument  of  his  own  ingenuity  to  draw 
and  make  dials  or  sun  horologes,  and  that  he  was  willing 
to  make  one  on  the  fore  wall  of  the  said  burgh  which 
should  show  hours  very  justly  by  the  sun  with  every 
month  of  the  year  the  langest,  shortest,  and  equi- 
noctiall  dayis  and  when  the  same  should  be  perfect 
and  ended  he  would  refer  his  recompence  for  his  pains 
to  the  guid  discretion  of  the  provest,  bailies  and  council 
at  their  pleasure ;  the  which  supplication  being  thought 
reasonable  they  allow  David  to  upput  one  dial  or  sun 
horologe  on  the  tolbooth  on  sic  pairt  thairoffas  sail  be 
thocht  meit  and  expedient." 

30^/2  September  1618. — (i  The  said  day  in  respect  the 
town's  common  knokis  to  wit,  the  kirk  knok,  tolbooth 
knok,  and  college  knok,  are  out  of  all  frame  and  order 
and  are  not  sufficient  and  able  to  serve  the  town 
pairtlie  because  they  are  auld  and  worne,  and  pairtlie 
for  want  of  skilful  men  to  attend  them,  therefore, 
it  is  thought  meet  that  the  magistrates  write  south 
with  all  diligence  and  try  quhair  the  best  knock- 
macker  may  be  had  and  cause  bring  him  upon  the 
town's  charges  to  this  burgh  and  visit  the  knokis 
thairof,  that  such  of  them  as  may  be  mended  be  accord- 
ingly done  and  sic  as  will  not  mend  be  made  new  as 
soon  as  the  same  can  be  conveniently  gotten  done." 

ist  December  1630. — "The  council  grants  forty 
pounds  of  fee  yearly  to  Robert  Mailing  for  his  pains  in 
rewling  of  the  town's  three  clocks,  to  wit,  the  Kirk 
clock,  Greyfriars  Kirk  clock,  and  Tolbooth  clock,  and 
ordains  the  town's  treasurer  to  answer  him  of  twenty 
merks  and  the  master  of  kirk  work  of  forty  merks  yearly, 
in  complete  payment  of  the  said  sums  during  his  service 
at  the  two  usual  terms  in  the  year  Whitsunday  to 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  5 

Martinmas  in  winter  by  equal  proportions  beginning  the 
first  term's  payment  at  Martinmas  last,  and  so  forth, 
thereafter  aye  quhill  (until)  he  be  discharged  by  the 
council." 

igth  September  1632. — "The  provest,  bailies  and 
council  nominates  and  appoints  Alexander  Willox, 
wricht  to  be  keeper  and  rewlar  of  the  town's  common 
clockis,  to  wit,  the  tolbooth  clock,  the  clock  of  the  high 
kirk,  and  college  kirk,  as  likewise  to  ring  the  town's 
common  bell  in  the  tolbooth  steeple  at  five  hours  in  the 
morning  and  nine  hours  at  even  and  ilk  Wednesday 
to  the  Council  at  aucht  hours  in  the  morning  for  the 
space  of  an  year  next  after  the  date  hereof,  and  grants 
to  the  said  Alexander  for  his  service  and  fee  during  the 
said  space  the  sum  of  one  hundred  merks  (Scottis)  to 
be  paid  to  him  quarterly  by  the  master  of  kirk  wark. 
Likewise  the  said  Alexander  being  personally  present 
accepted  the  said  charge  in  and  upon  him  and  promised 
to  do  honest  duty  therein." 

nth  June  1645. — "The  quilk  day  anent  the  suppli- 
cation given  in  to  the  provest,  bailies  and  council 
by  Robert  Melvill,  son  to  umquhill  David  Melvill, 
stationer  burgess  of  this  burgh,  making  mention  that 
quhair  his  said  umquhill  father  being  but  an  cautioner 
for  Edward  Raban,  printer  of  this  burgh,  for  payment  to 
the  master  of  mortified  moneys  of  this  burgh  of 
the  principal  sum  of  five  hundred  merks  (Scots),  yet 
by  his  own  consent  before  his  death  allowed  that 
such  a  number  of  books  should  be  given  to  their 
honours  of  the  council  for  satisfaction  of  the  said 
sum  ;  likewise  it  pleased  their  worships  of  the  council  to 
give  the  credit  of  the  selling  thereof  ay  and  until  they 
were  sold  without  any  definite  time,  because  the 
supplicant  could  not  take  upon  him  to  be  comptable 
(accountable)  for  the  money  and  prices  thereof,  but 
according  as  the  occasion  should  serve  that  the  books 
were  bought  by  several  persons  who  were  pleased 
to  buy,  which  might  postpone  the  full  payment  many 
years  and  that  not  through  any  fault  in  the  supplicant, 
because  he  never  bargained  other  ways  but  to  give 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

payment  as  he  should  receive  it,  beseeching  therefore 
the  council  to  take  to  their  consideration  how  more 
certainly  and  shortly  their  worships  might  be  satisfied 
if  it  would  please  them  to  consider  the  supplicant's  good 
offer,  which  was  that  he  might  be  employed  for  ruling 
of  the  clocks  and  bells  within  this  burgh  ay  and  quhill 
the  time  that  the  payment  which  is  termerlie  for  such  a 
work  may  exhaust  the  full  sum  of  the  books  which 
as  yet  are  to  the  fore,  and  would  be  a  most  sure  and 
certain  payment  to  the  town  and  that  within  a  definite 
time.  Ouilk  being  read  and  considered  by  the  Council, 
the  said  Provest,  Bailies  and  Council  nominates  and 
appoints  the  said  Robert  to  enter  presently  with  the 
keeping  and  ruling  of  the  town's  common  clocks, 
to  wit,  the  tolbooth  clock,  the  clock  of  the  kirk,  and 
college  kirk — and  ordain  the  fee  due  to  him  therefore 
to  be  allowed  in  payment  of  the  two  hundred  and 
seventy-eight  pounds  fifteen  shillings  and  fourpence 
restand  by  the  said  Robert  to  the  said  master  of 
mortified  money  conform  to  the  desire  of  the  said 
Robert's  supplication,  and  if  he  shall  be  found  deficient 
to  be  removed  upon  his  first  fault. — Likewise  the  said 
Robert  being  personally  present  accepted  the  said 
charge  and  promised  to  do  honest  duty  therein,  and 
instantly  received  from  Alexander  Willox,  late  ruler 
of  the  said  clocks  and  bells,  the  key  of  the  baras 
and  steeple  of  the  Grayfriars  kirk,  quhilk  opens  also  the 
door  of  the  clock,  and  the  key  that  opens  the  Grayfriars 
door.  Item,  the  key  of  the  kirk  door  of  Saint  Nicolas 
kirk  with  ane  key  for  ye  doors  of  the  laich  and  high 
tolbooth." 

yd  September  1651.  —  "The  said  day  Patrick 
Wanhagan  and  Wm.  Cook  was  received  and  admitted 
by  the  Provest,  Bailies  and  Council  for  ruling  of  the 
kirk  and  tolbooth  clocks  and  to  the  ringing  of  the 
council  bell  weekly  on  Wednesdays  and  the  said 
tolbooth  bell  and  kirk  bell  on  preaching  and  lector  days 
and  to  the  ringing  of  the  five  hour  bell  in  the  morning 
and  the  nine  hour  bell  at  evening,  and  to  use  all  other 
duties  belonging  to  the  said  office  as  freely  in  all 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  7 

respects  as  umquhill  Robert  did  use  the  same  at  any 
time  heretofore  for  payment  of  such  sums  of  money  and 
fees  as  the  said  umquhill  Robert  received  for  his  service 
in  the  said  office  ;  to  wit,  four  score  merks  of  money 
yearly  from  the  treasurer,  aucht  pounds  money  yearly 
from  the  dean  of  guild,  and  forty  merks  money  yearly 
from  the  master  of  kirk  wark,  during  the  will  and 
pleasure  of  the  provest,  bailies  and  council  allanerlie." 

\6th  April  1672. — "  The  said  day  anent  the  supplica- 
tion given  in  to  the  council  by  Patrick  Kilgour,  knock- 
maker  in  the  said  town,  mentioning  that  quhair  he 
being  desired  by  some  of  their  number  to  come  to  this 
burgh  for  going  about  his  employment  therein,  he  held 
it  his  duty  to  obey  their  desires  and  that  if  they  should 
be  pleased  to  accept  of  his  service  and  to  admit  him 
freeman  of  his  calling  and  grant  him  freedom  of  public 
burdens  for  his  lifetime  for  what  might  concern  his 
employment  and  give  him  assurance  thereanent  he 
should  endeavour  to  carry  and  behave  himself  dutifully 
as  becomes ;  and  withal  in  further  testimony  of  his 
respects  for  the  credit  and  good  of  this  burgh  he  should 
oblige  himself  to  make  and  deliver  unto  them  before 
Lammas  next  ane  knock  of  brass  about  the  bigness 
of  ane  house  knock,  which  should  be  ane  pendulum 
of  the  best  form  which  should  go  for  aucht  days  at 
one  winding  up  and  should  strike  the  hours  punctually, 
and  should  have  a  good  bell  with  the  motion  of  the 
day  of  the  month,  and  should  have  an  pais,  and  should 
stand  no  higher  from  the  floor  than  the  height  of  an 
man  and  he  should  oblige  himself  that  the  knock 
should  be  as  sufficient  and  handsome  as  any  knock 
made  elsewhere  and  that  he  should  uphold  the  same 
good  and  sufficient  during  his  abode  in  this  burgh  as 
in  the  said  application  was  contained,  which  the  Council 
having  heard  and  considered  they  agree  and  condescend 
that  the  petitioner  shall  have  free  liberty  for  going 
about  his  calling  and  employment  within  the  said 
burgh  and  that  he  shall  be  free  of  any  taxation  or 
impositions  within  the  same,  in  so  far  as  may  concern 
his  calling  during  his  lifetime  he  always  giving  assurance 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

for  performance  of  what  is  above  mentioned  to  be  done 
by  him  betwixt  and  the  time  above  expressed  in  manner 
above  set  down  and  no  other  ways.  Likewise  Patrick 
Moir,  bailie,  Alexander  Gordon,  master  of  Kirk  wark, 
John  Andersone,  William  Thomsone  and  Robert  Clerk, 
persons  of  the  Council  dissanented  that  the  said  Patrick 
Kilgour  should  be  free  from  taxation  with  the  said 
burgh  for  his  calling  for  any  time  coming." 

gth  November  1692. — "The  said  day  William  Soupar, 
master  of  kirk  wark,  having  presented  to  the  provest, 
bailies  and  council  his  condescendence  and  agreement 
with  Patrick  Kilgour,  watchmaker  in  the  said  burgh, 
anent  the  ruling  of  the  kirk  clock  and  ordering  the 
better  ringing  of  the  bells — which  is  as  follows :  That 
the  said  Patrick  shall  bind  himself  by  contract  to  trans- 
late the  said  clock  into  ane  pendulum  work  conform 
to  the  newest  fashion  and  invention  done  at  London 
for  regulating  the  motion  of  the  said  clock  and  causing 
her  to  go  just. 

"  Item,  to  make  some  new  stangs  and  nuts  for  the 
movement  of  the  four  hands  for  the  making  of  them 
go  all  equal  alike ; 

"  Item,  to  rectify  the  motion  of  the  globe  with  a  new 
screw  wheel  of  iron  for  turning  the  said  globe  about ; 

"Item,  to  make  an  engine  to  cause  the  pendulum  and 
the  four  hands  be  in  constant  motion  as  well  in  the 
time  that  the  paces  are  a  drawing  up  as  at  other  time, 
so  that  the  clock  shall  not  at  any  time  stop  her  motion ; 

"Item, to  cause  the  said  clock  strike  the  hours  swifter 
that  the  people  may  not  weary  in  telling  of  them  ; 

"Item,  to  bush  the  privat  holes  which  are  worn  in 
the  said  clock  to  the  effect  the  wheels  may  run  the 
easier  and  not  stop,  and  to  help  the  stopping  of  the 
half  hours  and  cause  them  ring  at  their  due  time ; 

"Item,  to  raise  the  great  bell  in  the  said  steeple 
and  to  cast  and  found  two  new  cods  of  bell  metal 
for  the  said  bell  to  hang  and  ring  in  them,  and  to  renew 
the  two  gudgeons  of  the  said  bell  and  to  do  all  and 
sundry  other  things  necessary  for  the  causing  the  said 
bell  and  other  bells  in  the  said  steeple  ring  more  easily. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  9 

"For  which  he  is  to  have  two  hundred  merks  after 
finishing  of  the  same. — And  likewise  represented  to 
them  that  he  had  agreed  with  the  said  Patrick 
Kilgour  to  maintain  and  uphold  the  said  clock  of  Saint 
Nicolas  Kirk  well  going  and  in  good  order,  as  also 
the  motions  of  the  globe  and  movement  of  the  four 
hands,  and  also  to  furnish  oil  for  the  said  clock  and 
three  bells  in  the  said  steeple  on  his  own  proper  charges 
during  his  lifetime  and  residence  within  this  burgh, 
and  to  have  therefore  forty  merks  yearly. — The  present 
bailies  and  Council  grant  warrant  to  the  said  William 
Soupar — to  enter  in  contract  in  the  terms  above  written." 
— Aberdeen  Council  Register  and  Btirgh  Record. 

ABERNETHY,  SCOTT.     96  Kirkgate,  Leith,  1836-50. 
ADAIR,  JAMES.     Charlotte  Street,  Stranraer,  1820. 
ADAIR,  STAIR.     Castle  Street,  Stranraer,  1820. 
ADAM,  JOHN,     n  Smith  Hills,  Paisley,  1820-38. 
ADAM,  JOHN.     Candle  Street,  Alloa,  1837. 
ADAM,  JOHN.     High  Street,  Lanark,  1835. 
ADAM,  JOSEPH.     Clock  Dial  Maker,  Glasgow,  1837. 
ADAMSON,  CHARLES.     High  Street,  Montrose,  1820-37. 
ADAMSON,  JOHN.     Crossgate,  Cupar-Fife,  1837. 
ADAMSON, .     Anstruther,  1818. 

"  WATCH  LOST.— There  was  lost  in  the  neighbour- 
hood of  Colinsburgh  about  ten  days  ago  a  Silver  watch, 
maker's  name,  T.  Birness,  London,  No.  4006.  Whoever 
has  found  and  will  return  it  to  Mr  Adamson,  Watch- 
maker, Anstruther,  will  receive  one  guinea  of  reward." — 
Edinburgh  Advertiser,  2Oth  March  1818. 

ADAMSON, .     Kilmarnock,  1850. 

AITCHISON,  ALEXANDER.     Edinburgh,  1765. 

"  One  of  the  boys  educated  in  George  Heriot's 
Hospital  was  bound  apprentice  to  James  Cowan,  2Qth 
January  1765." — E.  H.  Records. 

AITCHISON,  JOHN.     27  South  Bridge,  Edinburgh,  1850. 


10  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

AITCHISON,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1756-90. 

"  One  of  the  boys  of  George  Watson's  Hospital, 
booked  apprentice  to  James  Cowan,  Edinburgh,  24th 
July  1756." 

He  appears  to  have  been  the  first  apprentice  this 
celebrated  maker  indentured. 

"  Discharged  of  his  indentures  by  James  Cowan  23rd 
July  1763.  Presented  a  bill  craving  an  essay  and 
essay  masters  to  be  appointed  in  order  to  his  being 
admitted  a  freeman  Clock  and  Watch  maker  in  Edin- 
burgh Hammermen,  7th  May  1768.  Admitted  on  I2th 
November  1768,  his  essay  being  a  horizontal  watch 
movement,  begun,  made  and  finished  in  his  own  shop 
in  presence  of  Alex.  Farquharson,  William  Downie 
and  James  Sibbald,  essay  masters,  and  James  Cowan, 
landlord."— E.  H.  Records. 

Was  in  partnership  with  William  Turnbull  (q.v.)  at 
this  date,  the  firm  being  known  as  Turnbull  &  Aitchison. 

"  A  WATCH  LOST. — That  about  four  weeks  ago  or 
thereby  a  Metal  Watch  was  lost  in  the  neighbourhood 
of  Edinburgh,  having  a  tortoise-shell  case  stained  on 
the  outside  of  a  lightish  coloured  ground,  with  a  variety 
of  figures  painted  thereon,  in  particular  the  figure  of 
a  butterfly,  maker's  name,  Woods,  Shrewsbury.  There 
was  a  steel  chain  at  the  watch  and  a  pebble  seal  having 
thereon  a  lion  rampant.  Motto,  Courage,  and  J.  C.  under 
it.  Whoever  has  found  the  said  watch  will  please  restore 
it  to  Robert  Aitchison,  watchmaker,  opposite  the  City 
Guard,  Edinburgh,  who  will  give  a  handsome  reward 
therefor,  or  in  case  the  said  watch  may  have  been  sold 
to  or  pledged  with  any  person,  it  is  requested  that  they 
will  immediately  restore  it  to  the  above  R.  A.,  who 
besides  paying  what  may  have  been  given  or  advanced 
upon  the  watch  will  give  a  guinea  of  reward  and  no 
questions  asked." — Caledonian  Mercury  ^  23rd  January 
1783- 

"  A  GOLD  WATCH  CASE  LOST. — Yesterday,  the  26th 
current,  there  was  lost  betwixt  the  hours  of  one  and 
three  afternoon  a  plain  gold  watch  case  between  Edin- 
burgh and  the  Botanic  Gardens.  Whoever  finds  the 
same  and  will  return  it  to  Mr  Robt.  Aitchison,  watch- 
maker, back  of  the  City  Guard,  shall  be  handsomely 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  11 

rewarded.  It  is  entreated  that  goldsmiths  and  others 
to  whom  it  may  be  offered  for  sale  will  please  retain 
it  and  give  information  as  above." — Ibid.,  26th  May  1783. 

"  A  WATCH  LOST. — There  was  lost  on  Sunday  last 
at  Leith,  or  in  passing  over  some  ships  to  go  by  boat, 
a  remarkably  neat  silver  watch,  maker's  name,  Robt. 
Aitchison,  No.  503.  If  any  person  has  found  the  same 
and  will  return  it  to  Mr  Aitchison,  watchmaker,  High 
Street,  Edinburgh,  they  will  receive  a  reward  of  two 
guineas  and  it  is  entreated  that  if  the  watch  is  offered 
for  sale  she  may  be  stopt  and  information  given  to 
Mr  Aitchison." — Ibid.,  I5th  September  1788. 

Sale  of  the  Stock  of  Watches,  etc.,  and  utensils 
which  belonged  to  the  deceased  Robert  Aitchison,  watch- 
maker in  Edinburgh,  advertised  in  Caledonian  Mercury^ 
3  ist  December  1790. 

"Alexander  Aitchison,  medical  student,  Edinburgh, 
served  Heir  General  to  his  cousin,  Robert  Aitchison, 
watchmaker  there,  dated  22nd  June  1790.  Recorded 
2Qth  June  1790." — Services  of  Heirs. 

AITCHISON,    WILLIAM.     91     South    Bridge,    Edinburgh, 
1807. 

AIKEN  OR  AITKEN,  DAVID,  sen.     Carnwath,  1790-1845. 
"  David    Aitken,   watchmaker   at    Carnwath,   served 
Heir  General  to   his  father,  John  Aiken,  Tailor   there, 
dated  4th  March   1803.     Recorded  9th  March   1803."- 
Services  of  Heirs. 

AIKEN  OR  AITKEN,  DAVID,  jun.     Carnwath,  1840-75. 
AITKEN,  ALEXANDER.    98  Queen  Street,  Glasgow,  1836. 

AITKEN.     GEORGE.         Parliament     Square,     Edinburgh, 
1781-85. 

"  Compeared  on  3rd  November  1781  and  presented 
his  essay,  being  a  clock  timepiece  with  dead  seconds, 
begun,  made  and  finished  in  the  shop  of  Samuel  Brown, 
in  presence  of  Samuel  Brown,  landlord,  David  Murray, 
Robert  Clidsdale  and  Thomas  Sibbald,  essay  masters, 
as  they  declared." — E.  H.  Records. 

"WATCH  AND  CLOCK  MAKING. — George  Aitken, 
Parliament  Square,  returns  his  grateful  thanks  to  the 
public  and  his  customers  in  particular,  at  the  same  time 


12  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

takes  the  liberty  to  inform  them  that  he  has  on  hand 
at  present  for  sale  a  good  assortment  of  watches  and 
clocks  at  very  reasonable  prices.  Such  as  please  to 
favour  him  with  their  orders  may  depend  on  having 
their  commissions  punctually  attended  to. 

"  N.B. — Repeating  watches  and  all  other  kinds  of 
watches  properly  repaired." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant, 
1/j.th  November  1785. 

AITKEN,  JAMES.     Markinch,  1837. 

AITKEN,  JAMES.     64  Broomielaw,  Glasgow,  1841. 

AITKEN,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1750-1779. 

"Son  of  John  Aitken,  wright  in  Canongate,  booked 
apprentice  to  John  Steil,  Edinburgh,  28th  July  1750. 
Transferred  to  James  Cowan  and  discharged  of  his 
indentures  by  him  on  24th  July  1756.  Presented  a 
bill  to  be  admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker 
in  Edinburgh  Hammermen,  6th  May  1758.  Compeared 
on  3rd  February  1759  and  presented  his  essay,  being 
a  watch  movement  made  and  finished  in  his  own  shop, 
as  James  Cowan,  his  landlord,  Daniel  Binny,  and  George 
Aitken,  his  essay  masters  declared,  which  was  found 
a  well  wrought,  etc.,  and  the  said  John  Aitken  was 
admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker  of  this 
Incorporation." — E.  H.  Records. 

11  HOUSES  AND  GROUND  IN  CANONGATE  TO  BE 
SOLD. — All  and  whole  that  tenement  of  land  lying  in 
the  Canongate  and  on  the  north  side  thereof,  a  little 
above  the  Tolbooth,  consisting  of  three  stories,  a  cellar, 
a  garret,  a  bowling  green,  summer  house  and  garden, 
which  belonged  to  John  Aitken,  late  watchmaker  in 
Edinburgh,  arid  paid  of  rent  yearly  preceding  Whit- 
sunday last  £27,  IDS.  stg. 

"Creditors  of  the  said  John  Aitken  are  requested 
to  meet  in  John's  Coffee  House  upon  Monday,  the 
25th  January  at  12  o'clock  midday." — Caledonian 
Mercury,  4th  January  1779. 

Admitted  a  member  of  Lodge  St  David,  Edinburgh, 
I4th  June  1758. 

AITKEN,  JOHN.     New  Street,  Dairy,  Ayrshire,  1850. 
AITKEN,  PETER.     96  Argyll  Street,  Glasgow,  1841. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  13 

AITKEN,  ROBERT.     Island,  Galashiels,  1836. 
AITKEN,  WILLIAM.     Haddington,  1805-37. 
ALCORNE,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1733-60  (see  below). 

ALCORNE,  RICHARD.     Edinburgh,  1694-1738. 

"  Son  to  Mr  Henry  Alcorne,  essay  master  of  his 
Majesty's  Mint,  Edinburgh,  booked  apprentice  to 
Andrew  Brown,  Edinburgh,  loth  November  1694. 
Compeared  25th  September  1703,  and  presented  his 
essay,  viz.,  a  pendulum  clock  with  alarum  and  short 
swing,  a  lock  to  the  door  with  a  key,  which  was  found 
a  well  wrought  essay,  etc.  His  essay  masters  were 
Andrew  Brown  and  Murdoch  Grant ;  his  essay  was 
made  in  Richard  Mill's  shop.  He  paid  the  boxmaster 
[or  treasurer]  fifty-three  pounds  six  shillings  and  eight 
pennies  (Scots)  as  the  half  of  his  upset  [or  entry  money] 
and  the  other  half  was  paid  to  William  Herring." 

^rd  February  1740. — "  A  motion  being  made  to  score 
Mrs  Alcorne  out  of  the  quarterly  pension  roll  in  respect 
of  her  litigious  humour,  and  refusing  the  composition 
offered  to  her  by  the  Earl  of  Home.  The  house  ordains 
her  to  be  informed  of  this  motion,  and  if  she  accept  not 
of  the  offer  made  her  by  the  said  Earl  they  will  next 
quarter  day  score  her  off." — E.  H.  Records. 

"  James  Alcorne,  son  of  Richard  Alcorne,  clockmaker, 
Edinburgh,  served  Heir  General  to  his  grandfather, 
Henry  Alcorne,  Essay  Master  to  the  Mint  in  Scotland, 
recorded  I5th  March  1733." — Services  of  Heirs. 

"James  Alcorne,  Watchmaker,  Edinburgh,  served 
Heir  General  to  his  father,  Richard  Alcorne,  watch- 
maker, dated  3rd  November  1735.  Recorded  I9th 
January  1738." — Ibid. 

"James  Alcorne,  son  of  Richard  Alcorne,  watch- 
maker, served  Heir  General  to  his  grandmother, 
Margaret  Henderson,  wife  of  Henry  Alcorne,  ist  July 
1760." — Ibid. 

ALEXANDER,  ALEXANDER.    Elgin,  1845. 

ALEXANDER,  JAMES.     Turriff;   born    1796;   died    1838; 

succeeded  by  his  son  George. 
ALEXANDER,  GEORGE.     Turriff,  1838-50,  son  of  above. 


14  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

ALEXANDER,  DAVID  CRICHTON.     Kilmarnock,  1837. 

ALEXANDER,  GEORGE.     27  Timber  Bush  and  62  Shore, 
Leith,  1813-25.     See  Robert  Alexander,  Leith. 

"  Patent  granted  unto  George  Alexander,  watch- 
maker in  Leith  for  his  improved  mode  of  suspending 
the  card  of  mariner's  compass,  being  on  a  principle 
entirely  new." — Specification  of  British  Patents. 

ALEXANDER,  JAMES.     Elgin,  1820-45. 

"James  Alexander,  watchmaker  in  Elgin,  served 
Hei/General  to  his  father,  James  Alexander,  merchant 
there,  dated  loth  November  1845.  Recorded  I4th 
November  1845." — Services  of  Heirs. 

ALEXANDER,  JAMES.     Kincardine  O'Neil,  1846. 

ALEXANDER,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1667-1707. 

The  >]th  day  of  December  1667. — "The  quilk  day 
Jon  Alexander,  sone  lawfull  to  Alexander  Alexander, 
indweller  in  the  Canongate,  is  booked  apprentice  to 
Robert  Smith,  clockmaker." 

The  \Tth  day  of  August  1671.— "The  quilk  day  in 
presence  of  the  Deakone,  compeired  personallie  Jon 
Alexander,  sometime  prentice  and  servand  to  Robert 
Smith,  clockmaker,  burgess  of  Edinburgh,  and  presented 
his  essay  to  wit,  ane  kist  lock  with  ane  key,  ane  sprent 
band,  ane  clok,  ane  munter,  ane  sun  dyell,  qlk  was 
found  ane  weill  wrought  essay,  able  to  serve  his 
Majesties  lieges.  And  thairfore  they  have  admitted  the 
said  Jon  Alexander  to  be  ane  ordinary  freeman  in  the 
airt  and  trade  of  clockmaker's  trade,  etc." — E.  H.  Records. 

ALEXANDER,  JOHN.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1790. 
ALEXANDER,  MARY.     Turriff,  1837. 

ALEXANDER,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1708-18. 

Son  to  the  deceased  above  John  Alexander, 
clockmaker,  burgess  of  Edinburgh,  compeared  on 
nth  December  1708,  and  presented  his  essay  (viz.): 
"  Ane  eight  day  pendulum  clock,  and  a  lock  to  the  door 
with  a  key,  which  was  found  a  well  wrought  essay,  etc." 

The  rest  of  the  formula  is  the  same  as  given  in  the 
minute  dealing  with  the  father's  admission,  it  also 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  15 

applying  to  every  freeman,  clock  and  watch  maker,  on 
his  admission  to  the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen 
of  Edinburgh. 

"  His  essay  masters  were  William  Brown,  elder,  and 
Richard  Alcorne,  his  essay  was  made  in  his  mother's 
shop.  He  payed  the  boxmaster  1 10  merks  for  his 
upset,  20  merks  for  the  Maiden  Hospital,1  and  the  said 
Robert  Alexander  in  token  that  he  consents  and 
approves  of  the  Incorporation's  Act  anent  the  Maiden 
Hospital,  had  subscribed  the  double  of  this  act  in  the 
Scroll  Book."— E.  H.  Records. 

Little  is  known  about  this  maker,  but  the  fact  of  his 
name  appearing  regularly  till  the  year  1718  in  these 
records  makes  it  apparent  he  was  at  that  date  located 
in  Edinburgh. 

ALEXANDER,    ROBERT.      Tolbooth    Wynd    and    Shore, 
Leith,  1751-1825. 

There  were  apparently  three  generations  of  this 
name,  but  authentic  proof  is  awanting  to  connect  these 
Leith  makers  with  the  above.  All  evidence  available 
makes  it  almost  certain  that  they  belong  to  the  same 
family.  Unfortunately,  it  is  not  until  the  year  1751 
that  we  have  documentary  proof  of  this  firm's  location. 
In  that  year  Robert  Alexander  entered  into  a  law  plea 
with  the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen  of  Edinburgh, 
about  a  servitude  over  a  wall  that  divided  their  respective 
properties  in  the  Cowgate,  Edinburgh.  Then  in  the 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant  of  the  25th  July  1764, 
there  appears  the  following  advertisement :  "Lost  on 
Thursday  last  between  Leith  and  Restalrig,  a  silver 
watch  with  a  shambo  string,  the  maker's  name, 
T.  Bennett,  London,  No.  5640.  Whoever  has  found 
and  shall  be  pleased  to  return  the  same  to  Robert 
Alexander,  watchmaker  in  Leith,  shall  have  a  suitable 
reward,  and  if  offered  for  sale  it  is  hoped  will  be  stop'd." 
In  1773  his  son's  name  appears  as  being  established 
in  Tolbooth  Wynd,  and  nearer  the  end  of  the  century,  as 

1  This  refers  to  the  Trades'  Maiden  Hospital  which  had  been  founded 
a  year  or  two  before  this  date,  an  institution  that  is  still  carried  on. 


16  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

being  at  Middle  of  the  Shore,  emerging  in  the  beginning 
of  the  next  as  No.  62  Shore.  This  last  shop  was  carried 
on  under  the  same  name,  till  the  year  1 826  when  all  record 
of  it  disappears.  Of  course,  it  could  not  have  been  in  the 
hands  of  one  individual  for  so  long  a  period,  and  in 
tracing  this  family  we  find  that  there  died  at  Rose 
Bank,  Broughton  Road,  Edinburgh,  on  24th  March 
1830,  Mr  Robert  Alexander,  late  watch  and  compass 
maker,  Leith,  aged  84  years.  As  this  person  is 
designated  as  having  been  at  62  Shore,  thus  we  have 
the  unique  record  of  father,  son,  and  grandson,  all 
bearing  the  same  name,  continuing  a  business  for  the 
long  period  of  nearly  eighty  years. 

ALEXANDER,  ROBERT.     Bathgate,  1761. 
See  note  on  Linlithgow  Town  Clock. 

ALEXANDER,  ROBERT.     Wigton,  1770. 
ALEXANDER,  WILLIAM.     28  Arcade,  Glasgow,  1841. 

ALEXANDER,    WILLIAM,     n    Nelson    Street,    Trongate, 
Glasgow,  1836. 

ALEXANDER,  WILLIAM  PATERSON.     Balfron,  1836. 

ALEXANDER,  W.  A.     9  Nelson  Street,  Trongate,  Glasgow, 
1836. 

ALISON,  JOHN.     High  Street,  Montrose,  1798-1822. 
ALISON,  JOHN.     Foot  of  Broad  Wynd,  Leith,  1796. 

ALISONE,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1641-47. 

The  Incorporation  of  Hammermen,  Edinburgh,  as  is 
well  known,  had  their  meeting-place  in  the  Magdalen 
Chapel,  Cowgate,  an  old  religious  foundation  which 
had  been  left  to  them  in  trust  in  1547.  They  piously 
carried  out  the  wishes  of  the  foundress,  Janet  Rhynd, 
so  far  as  the  charitable  side  of  the  trust  lay. 

The  Reformation  in  1560,  however,  abolished  the 
religious  supervision  for  which  the  foundress  stipulated 
in  her  deed.  The  wooden  belfry  having  been  found 
unsuitable,  they,  in  1618  agreed  to  build  a  steeple. 
This  quaint  and  modest  spire  was  finished  in  1627  and 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  17 

still  stands.  It  contains  a  large  bell,  which  they  were 
at  the  expense  of  bringing  from  Flanders,  but  it  was 
not  till  1641  that  there  is  mention  of  a  "  Knok."  The 
introduction  of  this  clock  was  the  means  of  James 
Alisone's  name  appearing  in  their  records.  Always 
cautious  before  incurring  expense,  they  sent  for  this 
maker  from  Cupar  in  Fife  to  enquire  as  to  cost,  etc. 
He  carried  out  the  contract,  and  in  the  notes  on  the 
clock  and  bell  of  the  Magdalen  Chapel  will  be  found 
all  that  is  to  be  gleaned  about  this  man,  who  evidently 
was  not  resident  here  after  1647.  See  also  note  on 
Dundee  Town  Clocks. 

ALLAN,  JAMES.     Cheapside,  Kilmarnock,  1820-37. 
ALLAN,  JAMES.     Wellington  Place,  Aberdeen,  1836. 
ALLAN,  JAMES.     Holburn  Street,  Aberdeen,  1846. 
ALLAN,  JAMES.     Kilmarnock,  1807. 
ALLAN,  JOHN.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1800. 
ALLAN,  WILLIAM.     Kilwinning,  1837-50. 
ALLAN,  WILLIAM.     Aberdeen,  1703. 

ALLAN,  WILLIAM.     Aberdeen,  1807. 

"  Margaret  M'Kenzie  or  Allan,  wife  of  George 
M'Kenzie,  merchant,  Aberdeen,  served  Heir  General 
to  her  father,  William  Allan,  watchmaker  there,  dated 
1 8th  April  1807.  Recorded  2 5th  May  1807." — Services 
of  Heirs. 

ALSTON,  JOHN.     Tolbooth  Wynd,  Leith,  1794. 
ALSTON,  JOHN.     77  Princes  Street,  Edinburgh,  1811. 

ALSTON,  JOHN.     32  Nicolson  Street,  Edinburgh,  1806. 

"A  GOLD  WATCH  LOST. — There  was  lost  on  the 
forenoon  of  Wednesday,  the  1 6th  November,  somewhere 
near  the  Head  of  the  Pleasance,  a  Gold  Watch,  with 
a  metal  chain.  It  is  requested  that  the  person  who 
may  have  found  it  will  return  it  to  Mr  John  Alston, 
watchmaker,  No.  32  Nicolson  Street,  and  he  will  be 
handsomely  rewarded." — Edinburgh  Evening  Couranty 
1 7th  November  1808. 

B 


18  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

ANCRUM,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh,  1703. 

"  Son  to  William  Ancrum,  wright  in  Edinburgh,  is 
booked  apprentice  to  Andrew  Brown,  Edinburgh, 
1 3th  May  1703." — E.  H.  Records. 

ANDERSON,  ANDREW.     Dundas  Street,  Comrie,  1837. 
ANDERSON,  CHARLES.     Aberdeen,  1699. 
ANDERSON,  GEORGE.     36  Green,  Aberdeen,  1837. 

ANDERSON,  GEORGE.     South  Street,  St  Andrews,  1860-92. 

Son  of  William  Anderson  (see  below),  died  9th  May 

1892,  aged  77  years.     Business  continued  to  present  day. 

ANDERSON,  HENRY.     Tulliallan,  1820. 

ANDERSON,  HERCULES.     Bervie,  1837. 

ANDERSON,  JOHN.     Dunse,  1776-1802. 

"John  Anderson,  clockmaker  in  Dunse,  served  Heir 
General  to  his  father,  Alexander  Anderson,  Portioner 
of  Redpath,  dated  I4th  April  1802.  Recorded  i6th 
April  1802." — Services  of  Heirs. 

ANDERSON,     WILLIAM.      South     Street,     St     Andrews, 
1832-67. 

Died  4th  July  1867,  aged  76  years. 
ANDERSONE,  DAVID.     Aberdeen,  1597. 

See  note  on  Aberdeen  Town  Clocks,  page  i. 
ANDREW,  ALEXANDER.     Portsoy,  1830. 
ANDREW,  WILLIAM.     Huntly,  1837. 

ANDREW,  WILLIAM.     Perth,  1791-95. 

Apprenticed  to  Patrick,  Gardener,  Perth,  1791  ; 
admitted  freeman  of  Perth  Hammermen  Incorporation, 
1795- 

ANGUS,  George.  72  Broad  Street,  Aberdeen,  1790-1830. 
"  NOTICE  TO  WATCHMAKERS. — A  box  containing 
fourteen  silver  watches  for  George  Angus,  Aberdeen, 
Watchmaker,  under  address  to  Mackie  &  Mackenzie, 
merchants  there,  was  forwarded  the  I9th  of  August 
from  the  Mail  Coach  Office,  Edinburgh,  on  its  way  from 
London,  and  has  never  since  been  heard  of.  The  delay 
is  supposed  to  have  taken  place  south  of  Dundee. 
G.  Angus  subjoins  the  numbers  of  the  watches  and 
requests  that  if  any  of  them  be  offered  to  sale,  they  may 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  19 

.  be  stopped.  Any  person  who  has  found  the  box  will 
receive  a  handsome  reward  by  applying  to  him  or 
to  any  of  the  mail  coach  proprietors  upon  the  road. 
Numbers,  etc,  of  the  14  watches  :  Two,  George  Angus, 
Aberdeen,  No.  218-219,  pinions  of  seven  leaves;  twelve, 
T.  Berress,  London,  No.  1194,  1200,  1198,  1199,  2001, 
2002,  2003,  2004,  2005,  2007,  2008,  2009.  A  fitler  frame, 
and  dial,  2  gross  chain  hooks,  four  files." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  27th  August  1799. 

"John  Angus,  Advocate  in  Aberdeen,  served  Heir 
General  to  his  father,  George  Angus,  watchmaker  there, 
dated  I3th  February  1830.  Recorded  23rd  February 
1 830." — Services  of  Heirs. 

"  His  son  John  Angus,  M.A.,  was  Town  Clerk  of 
Aberdeen  for  35  years,  1840-1875.  A  younger  son 
James,  also  M.A.,  a  distinguished  student,  attended  the 
Mathematical  Faculty,  University  of  Louvain,  1826-7. 
He  died  in  Aberdeen,  5th  February  1828,  in  the 
2 1st  year  of  his  age." — Aberdeen  Weekly  Free  Press,  2ist 
November  1914. 

ARBUCKLE,  JOSEPH.  German  Clock  Maker,  4  Broom- 
lands,  Paisley,  1836. 

ARCHDEACON,  THOMAS.      8  William  Street,  Greenock, 

1837- 
ARGO, .     Peterhead,  1784. 

ARGYLE,  DUKE  OF.     Whim,  Peeblesshire,  1730. 

"Whim,  a  small  property  in  Peeblesshire,  was 
purchased  in  1730  by  the  Duke  of  Argyle.  His  Grace 
was  a  clever  artist  and  mechanic.  It  is  reported  of  him 
that  he  made  a  clock  to  perform  for  thirty  years  with 
only  once  winding  up,  and  for  a  case  put  it  into  the 
skeleton  of  a  favourite  horse.  An  old  woman  came  into 
his  workshop  with  a  pot  to  mend,  and  as  the  workmen 
happened  to  be  out,  she  took  his  Grace  for  the  black- 
smith, and  asked  him  to  put  a  foot  on  her  pot.  The 
Duke  fell  to  work,  finished  the  pot,  and  would  take 
no  payment,  telling  her  to  come  back  again  when  it 
went  wrong.  She  gave  him  many  thanks,  and,  as 
a  recompense,  promised  to  knit  a  pair  of  stockings  for 
him,  but  what  was  her  surprise  when  a  servant  in  rich 


20  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

livery  entered  and  unbonneted  before  the  blacksmith. 
The  poor  woman,  when  she  knew  it  was  the  great 
Argyle,  shook  and  trembled,  and  although  assured 
he  was  not  angry  with  her  went  home  with  a  quaking 
heart." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  6th  June  1839. 

ARMOUR,  JOHN.     Kilmaurs,  1780-1808. 

ARNOT,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh,  1723. 

"  Son  to  the  deceast  George  Arnot,  Balgerthly ; 
booked  apprentice  to  Thomas  Gordon,  Edinburgh, 
23rd  March  1723." — E.  H.  Records. 

ASHENHEIM,  JACOB.     61   New  Buildings,  North  Bridge, 
Edinburgh,  1818-38. 

AULD,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1795-1823. 

"  Was  discharged  of  his  indentures  by  Thomas  Reid, 
4th  May  1799.  Compeared  on  3rd  May  1806,  and 
presented  his  essay,  the  detached  escapement  of  a 
clock  begun,  made,  and  finished  in  the  shop  of  Thomas 
Reid,  landlord,  in  presence  of  Robert  Green,  Laurence 
Dalgleish,  and  Thomas  Sibbald,  essay  masters,  as  they 
declared,  and  was  accordingly  admitted  a  member  of  the 
Hammermen." — E.  H.  Records. 

Assumed  as  partner  with  his  master,  Thomas  Reid, 
in  1806,  the  business  being  then  carried  on  in 
Parliament  Close.  They  removed  in  1809  to  33  Princes 
Street,  carrying  it  on  till  1823;  being  at  this  latter 
date  in  No.  66,  when  both  partners  retired  from  active 
business. 

For  a  fuller  account  of  the  class  of  work  which  this 
well-known  firm  executed,  the  reader  is  referred  to 
the  notes  on  Thomas  Reid.  There  it  will  be  seen 
that  it  was  of  the  most  intricate  character,  and  it  is 
safe  to  say  that  both  partners  must  have  had  complete 
satisfaction  in  their  art,  seeing  it  was  so  congenial 
to  both  of  them.  Possibly  there  are  few  business 
partnerships  where  two  partners  have  shown  such 
devotion  to  each  other  as  Thomas  Reid  and  William 
Auld,  Closely  related  by  marriage  ties  during  life, 
in  death  they  were  not  divided.  Both  sleep  their  last 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  21 

sleep  in  the  one  tomb,  which  is  situated  in  the  Old 
Calton  Burying  Ground,  Waterloo  Place,  Edinburgh, 
and  it  records  in  a  remarkable  manner  the  close 
connection  that  existed  between  these  two  men.  The 
tomb  is  situated  on  the  south  wall  of  the  burying 
ground,  and  is  enclosed  with  high  walls  and  iron  gate ; 
the  southmost  end  being  entirely  occupied  by  the 
memorial  stone,  which  is  divided  into  three  compart- 
ments, two  of  smaller  size,  one  on  each  side ;  leaving  the 
centre  compartment  a  great  deal  larger.  The  pediment 
on  top  bears  that  it  is  the  burying-ground  of  William 
Auld.  The  inscription  on  left-hand  compartment  is 
as  follows : — 

"  To  the  memory  of  John  Auld,  Merchant,  St 
Andrews,  died  1751,  and  was  buried  in  the  Cathedral 
Church  Yard. 

"William  Auld,  Printer,  Edinburgh,  died  1777, 
and  was  buried  in  the  Grey  Friars  Church  Yard. 

"Malcolm  Ogilvie,  merchant,  Edinburgh,  died  1792, 
and  was  buried  in  the  Grey  Friars  Church  Yard. 

"  Alexandria  Ogilvie,  widow  of  William  Auld,  printer, 
afterwards  wife  of  Thomas  Reid,  watch  maker,  Edin- 
burgh, and  was  buried  in  Grey  Friars  Church  Yard." 

On  right  hand  compartment : — 

"To  the  memory  of  William  Auld,  Clock  and 
Watch  Maker,  Edinburgh.  Born  nth  November  17 — 
(stone  illegible),  died  6th  October  1846;  and  of  Isabella 
Scott  or  Auld,  his  spouse.  Born  i8th  May  1779,  died 
loth  October  1850.  Also  Catherine  Scott,  her  sister, 
born  20th  September  1780,  died  loth  October  1863." 

These  inscriptions  occupy  a  modest  space  in  the 
memorial  stone,  the  larger  part  being  taken  up  with  the 
epitaph  of  Thomas  Reid,  the  account  of  which  will 
be  found  in  the  notes  on  that  maker,  where  it  is  given  in 
full,  as  signs  are  not  awanting  that  in  a  few  years  it  will 
be  a  matter  of  some  difficulty  to  decipher  the  lettering, 
owing  to  decay  in  the  stone,  unless  steps  are  taken 
to  recut  them.  Seeing  that  the  whole  tomb  has  been 
erected  by  William  Auld,  it  indicates  in  a  remarkable 
manner,  the  esteem  that  he  held  for  his  partner 
and  relation,  Thomas  Reid.  That  the  esteem  was 


22  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

reciprocated  is  shown  by  Thomas  Reid,  dedicating  his 
famous  treatise  on  clock-making  to  William  Auld, 
remarking  in  the  introduction  that  his  practical 
knowledge  is  a  sufficient  testimony  for  so  doing.  These 
examples  go  to  show  the  harmony  that  existed  between 
these  two  men,  which  Auld  as  long  as  he  lived  never 
forgot,  and,  as  will  be  noticed  further  on,  was  remembered 
by  him  in  a  manner  that  even  to  this  day  preserves  the 
honoured  name  of  the  firm  of  Reid  &  Auld. 

Although  retired  from  active  business  in  1823  his 
interest  in  his  art  was  not  allowed  to  lie  dormant,  for 
at  a  meeting  of  the  Royal  Scottish  Society  of  Arts 
held  on  3ist  May  1841  the  following  donation  was 
made  :— 

"  A  timepiece  of  Parisian  manufacture,  which 
belonged  to  the  late  Mr  James  Cowan,  watchmaker, 
Edinburgh,  made  for  him  while  he  resided  in  Paris 
in  1749,  and  which  on  his  death  in  1781  became  the 
property  of  Mr  Thomas  Reid,  watchmaker,  Edinburgh, 
his  successor.  Presented  by  Mr  William  Auld,  69 
Great  King  Street,  Edinburgh." 

Again,  at  a  meeting  of  the  same  society  held  on  24th 
November  1845,  the  following  donations  were  laid 
on  the  table  : — 

"  I.  An  engraved  print  with  letterpress  description  of 
a  beautiful  bronze  clock,  supposed  to  be  of  the  best 
Florentine  period,  the  original  works  by  Romilly  of 
Geneva,  now  the  property  of  Mr  B.  L.  Vulliamy, 
clockmaker  to  the  Queen,  London.  Presented  through 
William  Auld,  Esq.,  by  Vulliamy. 

"  2.  Engraved  portraits  of  the  following  Horologists : 
(i)  Julien  le  Roy,  Horologer  du  Roi  ancien  Directeur  de 
la  Societa  des  Arts ;  (2)  Abraham  Louis  Breguet, 
Member  de  1'Institut  Royal  de  France ;  (3)  Mons. 
Vaucher,  Horologer ;  (4)  Mons.  Loque,  Bijoutier. 
Presented  by  William  Auld,  Esq.,  67  Great  King  Street, 
Edinburgh,  who  was  thanked  by  the  meeting  for 
these  donations." 

It  may  be  here  noted  that  Mr  Vulliamy  was  after 
this  elected  an  honorary  associate  of  the  Royal  Scottish 
Society  of  Arts,  and  he  later  donated  some  valuable 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  23 

records  in  connection  with  the  new  clock  which  was 
about  to  be  made  for  the  Houses  of  Parliament, 
London. 

However  slight  these  gifts  may  now  appear,  yet 
it  was  only  a  foretaste  of  his  deep  interest  in  Horology, 
which  culminated  in  his  founding  through  this  Royal 
Scottish  Society  of  Arts  what  became  to  be  known 
as  the  "  Reid  and  Auld  Bequest." 

Intimation  of  this  Bequest  was  made  public  at 
a  meeting  held  on  Monday,  loth  November  1851. 

"  The  President  intimated  to  the  meeting  that  the 
finances  of  the  Society  had  been  increased  by  the 
legacy  of  £200  bequeathed  by  the  late  William  Auld, 
under  the  title  of  the  Reid  and  Auld  Bequest,  and  which 
had  now  been  paid  to  the  Society.  The  terms  of 
the  bequest  are :  '  That  the  annual  interest  is  to  be 
given  in  one,  two,  or  three  prizes  to  Master  or  Journey- 
men clock  and  watch  makers  for  the  best  model  of 
anything  new  in  that  art  or  line  of  business,  and  if  no 
model  is  invented  in  the  course  of  any  year,  or  one 
so  trifling  as  to  be  unworthy  of  attention,  then  the 
produce  of  the  bequest  for  that  year  to  be  paid  by 
the  Society  in  charity  to  such  of  the  poor  of  the  trade 
residing  in  and  within  ten  miles  of  Edinburgh  as 
the  treasurer  of  the  Society  in  his  discretion  shall 
select." 

Accordingly,  the  bequest  took  its  place  in  the  prize- 
list  of  the  Society  and  the  earliest  mention  of  it  which 
we  have  been  able  to  find  occurs  in  the  published 
Transactions  for  the  year  1854-55,  where  it  is  entitled 
"  The  Reid  and  Auld  prizes." 

"  For  the  first,  second,  and  third  best  models 
of  anything  new  in  the  Art  of  Clock  or  Watch  making 
by  journeymen  or  master  watch  or  clock  makers,  if 
these  should  be  considered  worthy  of  prizes,  a  sum 
of  Ten  Guineas,  divided  amongst  them  in  such  pro- 
portion as  the  Prize  Committee  shall  fix  according  to 
merit." 

This  formula  continues  to  be  the  only  way  of 
announcing  the  bequest  down  to  present  day,  the 
only  alteration  being  the  amount  of  money  proposed  to 


24  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

be  given  each  year,  which,  generally  speaking,  was 
either  seven  or  eight  guineas.  As  far  as  we  have 
been  able  to  find,  this  Reid  and  Auld  Bequest  is  the 
only  one  of  its  kind  in  Scotland  left  exclusively  for 
the  encouragement  of  the  Science  of  Horology,  and 
we  now  give  a  list  of  the  prize-winners  who  satisfied  the 
examining  committees  from  time  to  time  as  being 
considered  worthy  of  the  prize  : — 

"  To  Mr  Henry  Kerr,  10  South  Saint  James  Street, 
Edinburgh,  for  the  superior  workmanship  displayed  in 
the  execution  of  an  Electric  Clock  Pendulum,  exhibited 
by  him  on  I3th  April  1857. 

''Note. — This  prize  is  awarded  by  the  Committee 
not  for  the  pendulum,  but  for  the  superior  workmanship 
shown  in  it.  The  Reid  and  Auld  prize  fund  being 
for  rewarding  superior  workmanship  exhibited  in  any- 
thing new  in  the  Art  of  Clock  or  Watch  Making  by 
journeymen  or  master.  —  The  Reid  and  Auld  prize, 
value  three  sovereigns. 

"  To  Mr  Frederick  James  Ritchie,  Clock  and  Watch 
maker,  Edinburgh,  for  his  working  model  and  description 
of  the  Clock  Drop  for  the  Time  Ball  on  Nelson's  Monu- 
ment, Edinburgh.  Exhibited  and  read  25th  April  1859. 
— The  Reid  and  Auld  Prize,  value  nine  sovereigns. 

"  To  Frederick  J.  Ritchie,  Edinburgh,  for  his  com- 
munication on  the  means  adopted  for  securing  extreme 
accuracy  in  the  Time  Gun  signal,  read  and  illustrated 
by  a  working  model  and  experiments,  22nd  July  1861. — 
The  Reid  and  Auld  Prize,  value  seven  sovereigns. 

"To  Henry  Kerr,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker,  Dundee, 
for  the  ingenuity  displayed  in  the  two  new  Gravity 
Escapements  invented  by  him  and  exhibited  to  the 
Society,  I3th  April  1863. — A  grant  of  five  sovereigns 
out  of  the  Reid  and  Auld  Bequest. 

"To  Victor  Kullberg,  Chronometer  and  Watch 
Manufacturer,  12  Cloudesly  Terrace,  Islington,  for  his 
description  of  improvements  on  the  Chronometer 
Balance,  read  and  illustrated  by  a  model  and  drawings, 
nth  April  1864. — The  Reid  and  Auld  Prize,  value 
seven  guineas. 

"  To  Frederick  James  Ritchie,  Clock  and  Wratch 
Maker,  Edinburgh,  for  his  paper  on  Electro-Sympathetic 
Clocks  and  Time  Signals  (No.  4297) ;  read  and  illus- 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  25 

trated  by  drawings  and  models,  28th  April   1873. — The 
Reid  and  Auld  Prize,  value  ten  sovereigns. 

"To  George  H.  Slight,  C.E.,  Workshop  Super- 
intendent, Trinity  Wharf,  London,  for  his  description  . 
of  an  improved  Centrifugal  Governor  for  regulating 
the  Revolving  Machinery  of  Light  Vessels  and  Light- 
houses, read  nth  January  1875,  No.  4332. — The  Reid 
and  Auld  Prize,  value  five  sovereigns. 

"  To  Frederick  James  Ritchie,  for  his  paper  on  a 
Method  of  Correcting  Clocks  by  Hourly  Currents  of 
Electricity ;  read  and  illustrated  by  drawings  and 
instruments  on  nth  March  1878. — The  Reid  and  Auld 
Prize,  value  ten  sovereigns. 

"  To  George  W.  Warren,  Watchmaker,  London,  for 
the  description  of  his  instrument  for  Registering  and 
Printing  the  Fares  on  Omnibus,  Tramcar,  and  other 
Tickets,  and  simultaneously  issuing  the  same,  read  and 
illustrated  by  the  instrument  and  drawings,  22nd  March 
1880. — The  Reid  and  Auld  Prize,  value  ten  sovereigns. 

"  To  John  S.  Matheson,  Chronometer  Maker,  Leith, 
for  his  contrivance  for  winding  up  Chronometers  with- 
out reversing  their  suspension,  described  and  illustrated 
by  an  example  read  on  22nd  November  1880. — The 
Reid  and  Auld  Prize,  value  three  sovereigns. 

"  To  Peter  Stevenson,  Philosophical  Instrument 
Maker,  Edinburgh,  for  his  description  of  Meteorological 
Apparatus  constructed  for  the  late  Lord  George,  8th 
Marquess  of  Tweeddale  (No.  4497)  ;  illustrated  by  draw- 
ings and  instruments  and  by  some  of  the  volumes  of 
Records  continued  for  ten  years.  Read  on  25th 
February  1884. — A  Reid  and  Auld  Prize,  value  ten 
sovereigns. 

"  To  William  Sturrock,  Jeweller  and  Watchmaker, 
12  St  Andrew  Square,  Edinburgh,  for  his  paper  on 
Sturrock  &  Meek's  Automatic  24  hours'  Dial  for  Clocks 
and  Watches  (No.  4514);  read  on  27th  April  1885 
and  illustrated  by  a  large  Model  Dial. — A  Reid  and 
Auld  Prize,  value  five  sovereigns. 

"  To  Walter  Macdowall  Hardie,  Printer,  Edinburgh, 
for  his  Fluid  Prisms  of  novel  construction,  exhibited 
and  described  on  I2th  April  1886  (No.  4537). — A  Reid 
and  Auld  Prize,  value  ten  sovereigns. 

"To  William  Sturrock,  Watchmaker,  12  St  Andrew 
Square,  Edinburgh,  for  his  paper  on  an  Electric 
Illuminated  Time  Indicator;  read  and  illustrated  by 


26  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

the  instrument  in  action  on  23rd  January  1888  (No. 
4570). — A  Reid  and  Auld  Prize,  value  three  sovereigns. 

"  To  William  Sturrock,  for  his  paper  on  a  Magnetic 
Electric  Time  Indicator  (No.  4643),  read  on  nth 
January  1892. — A  Reid  and  Auld  Prize,  value  three 
sovereigns. 

"  To  John  Davidson,  Watchmaker,  Wick,  for  his 
paper  on  an  Automatic  Memorandum  Clock  (No.  4662), 
read  on  28th  November  1892. — A  Reid  and  Auld 
Prize,  value  ten  sovereigns. 

u  To  W.  B.  Blaikie,  Edinburgh,  for  his  paper  on 
the  Cosmosphere  (No.  4716),  read  on  the  25th  March 
l%95> — A  Reid  and  Auld  Prize,  value  twenty  sovereigns. 

"  To  William  Shaw,  for  his  paper  on  an  Electric 
System  of  Mechanical  Ventilation  (No.  4767),  read 
on  the  nth  April  1898. — A  Reid  and  Auld  Compli- 
mentary Silver  Medal." 

This  last  date,  1898,  represents  nearly  a  period  of 
fifty  years  that  the  fund  has  been  in  existence,  and  it 
would  be  invidious  to  continue  it  down  to  date,  but 
our  purpose  is  to  call  attention  to  this  unique  and  little 
known  bequest  and  to  show  how  it  has  been  taken 
advantage  of  during  that  long  period.  No  doubt 
surprise  will  be  exhibited  in  reading  over  these  awards 
for  it  is  difficult  in  some  cases  to  see  where  the  terms 
of  the  bequest  come  in,  but  it  will  be  noticed  that  the 
trend  of  the  inventions  submitted  are  more  or  less  in 
connection  with  electricity,  showing  the  fascination 
this  subject  has  with  a  large  number  of  inventors.  It 
must  be  a  matter  of  congratulation  to  Scotland  that 
the  first  to  enter  the  field  of  the  application  of  Electricity 
to  Horology  was  our  countryman  Alexander  Bain  (q.v.). 

Of  course  it  is  well  known  that  it  is  now  a  matter 
of  some  difficulty  to  invent  anything  new  in  Horology, 
but  it  is  easy  to  see  that  something  more  practical  will 
have  to  be  tried  to  render  the  bequest  of  any  use. 
This  view  of  the  matter  has  apparently  dawned  on 
the  Society  itself,  for  as  late  as  1894  a  strong  appeal 
was  made  in  their  own  published  Transactions,  calling 
attention  to  this  and  other  bequests  in  their  hands,  and 
inviting  applications  from  the  public,  but  evidently  with- 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  27 

out  much  success.  Seeing  the  prize  has  only  been 
awarded  some  eighteen  times  in  half  a  century,  one 
would  naturally  suppose  that  the  latter  part  of  the 
bequest,  namely,  the  relief  of  poor  clockmakers  would 
have  been  regularly  attended  to,  but,  strange  to  say, 
it  is  not  till  about  1876  that  the  first  mention,  of  a 
donation  for  a  charitable  purpose  appears.  In  that 
year  a  sum  of  five  guineas  was  allowed  to  poor  clock- 
makers,  and  from  that  date  up  to  1897  sums  varying 
from  £2  up  to  £12  in  one  year  were  applied  to  charity. 
This  latter  sum  was  only  given  once,  and  the  average 
works  out  at  something  like  £4  annually  spent  in  relief 
of  poor  clockmakers. 

This  again  brings  out  the  curious  fact  that  either 
clockmakers  in  necessitous  circumstances  are  practically 
non-existent  or  else  the  terms  of  the  bequest  are  un- 
known.1 Want  of  funds  cannot  be  blamed  for  this  state 
of  affairs,  for  the  sum  of  the  bequest  stood  in  1874  at 
£576,  75.  3d.,  consisting  of  capital  £322,  153.  8d.  and 
revenue  unexpended  amounting  to  £253,  us.  7d.,  the 
whole  producing  for  that  year  a  revenue  of  ^"28,  55.  lod. 
and  in  1896-97  the  fund  stood  at  ^809,  53.,  producing 
an  income  of  £61,  2s.  5d. 

This  splendid  result  speaks  volumes  for  the  careful 
manner  with  which  the  original  sum  has  been  invested 
and  watched  over  by  the  Royal  Scottish  Society  of 
Arts,  but  surely  something  could  be  done  to  make  this 
Reid  and  Auld  Bequest  of  more  use  and  benefit  to  the 
trade  in  Scotland.  It  might  be  presumptuous  to  say 
how  this  could  be  done,  but  the  hint  can  only  be  thrown 
out  that  if  steps  were  taken  to  apply  the  funds,  or 
even  a  part  of  them,  to  the  prize  list  of  the  technical 
schools  or  colleges  in  Edinburgh  or  wherever  the  science 
and  art  of  Horology  is  taught,  an  impetus  would  be 
given  to  an  industry  that  at  the  present  moment  is 
almost  entirely  overlooked  and  starved  for  want  of  such 
a  special  fund  as  the  Reid  and  Auld  Bequest,  which  is, 
as  we  have  shown,  now  lying  practically  useless. 
1  A  special  circular  was  issued  by  the  Royal  Scottish  Society  of  Arts 
in  1907  drawing  attention  to  this  matter. 


28  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

AUSTEN,  JOHN.     Dundee,  1836. 

AYR  OR  EYR,  BENJAMIN.     Edinburgh,  1765-70. 

"Booked  apprentice  to  James  Duff,  Edinburgh, 
1 2th  February  1765.  Was  by  the  consent  of  parties 
allowed  to  serve  out  the  remainder  of  his  time  with 
James  Cowan  in  place  of  James  Duff,  his  present 
master,  on  23rd  March  1770." — E.  H.  Records. 

BAIN,  ALEXANDER.  Hanover  Street,  Edinburgh,  1838-77. 
"  Mr  Bain's  name  will  always  be  honourably  associated 
with  the  progress  of  electric  science,  more  especially 
with  the  adaptation  of  electricity  to  the  purposes  of  daily 
life.  His  special  department  was  what  may  be  called 
electro-horology,  and  to  him  the  public  are  indebted  for 
originating  one  form  of  electric  clock  which,  with 
certain  modifications,  has  been  found  of  immense 
service  as  an  exact  means  of  measuring  time.1  As 
it  turned  out,  however,  the  sanguine  inventor  was  found 
to  have  reckoned  without  his  host.  The  soil  not 
unfrequently  became  too  dry  to  set  up  the  necessary 
galvanic  action  and,  of  course,  the  alternative  of  having 
a  chemical  battery  as  an  adjunct  to  the  clock  proved 
a  formidable  drawback  to  the  general  utility  of  the 
invention.  It  was  found,  moreover,  that  a  pendulum 
moved  by  electricity,  owing  to  unsteadiness  in  the 
supply  of  the  motive  power,  did  not  keep  the  most 
exact  time,  and  the  more  recent  attempts  at  electric 
clockmaking  have  aimed  at  the  removal  of  such  irregu- 
larity by  applying  the  current  in  a  different  way. 

"  At  the  same  time  Bain's  invention  has  been  turned 
to  good  account  in  a  modified  form,  which  he  himself 
does  not  seem  to  have  originally  contemplated.  It  was 
Wheatstone,  who,  on  the  first  introduction  of  the 
electrically-moved  pendulum,  suggested  the  idea  of  an 
electrically-controlled  pendulum,  which  was  taken  up 

1  An  account  of  Mr  Bain's  clock  is  given  on  p.  35.  In  that 
description  it  will  be  noted  that  the  pendulum  was  employed  to  move 
the  clock,  and  had  this  expectation  been  realised  there  can  be  little 
doubt  that  electric  clocks  would  soon  have  come  to  be  in  general 
request,  seeing  that  most  people  would  gladly  be  saved  the  trouble  of 
daily  or  even  weekly  winding  up  the  domestic  time-keeper. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  29 

and  successfully  worked  out  by  Mr  Jones  of  Chester. 
Under  this  arrangement  a  standard  clock  is  enabled  by 
means  of  an  electric  current  to  regulate  the  pendulum 
motion  of  any  number  of  other  clocks,  and  so  make  the 
latter  keep  time  with  perfect  precision.  It  is  thus  that 
the  clock  which  fires  the  time  gun  on  the  Castlehill,  as 
well  as  several  other  clocks  in  Edinburgh,  are  controlled 
by  a  standard  clock  at  the  City  Observatory,  and  indeed, 
the  method  is  now  in  use  all  over  the  country  for  the 
purpose  of  keeping  public  clocks  up  to  Greenwich  time. 

"  But  Mr  Bain's  versatile  inventive  faculty  was  not 
confined  to  this  particular  department.  His  attention 
was  early  directed  to  the  improvement  of  the  apparatus 
in  use  in  telegraphy,  and  after  various  experiments,  in 
which  his  knowledge  of  chemistry  came  to  his  aid, 
he  produced  the  electro-chemical  printing  telegraph 
which  bears  his  name,  and  which,  although  temporarily 
discarded  for  the  Morse  or  American  system,  seems  yet 
destined  under  the  hands  of  subsequent  inventors  to 
ultimately  supersede  all  others. 

"  At  a  time  when  the  attention  of  electricians  was 
being  directed  to  fast-speed  automatic  telegraphy,  it 
was  only  natural  that  Bain's  chemical  system  should  be 
taken  up.  Wheatstone  employed  it  as  an  improved 
recorder  for  his  well-known  self-acting  system,  but  it 
was  left  to  an  American,  Mr  Edison,  to  utilise  it  to 
the  greatest  extent,  and  show  what  it  is  capable  of 
accomplishing.  By  the  employment  of  several  wires 
and  an  automatic  transmitter  the  almost  incredible 
speed  of  upwards  of  1000  words  a  minute  has  been 
obtained.  'This  being  done,'  remarked  Sir  Wm. 
Thomson  at  the  British  Association  meeting  at 
Glasgow,  *  by  the  long  neglected  electro-chemical 
method  of  Bain,  long  ago  condemned  in  England  to 
the  helot  work  of  recording  from  a  relay  and  then 
turned  adrift  as  needlessly  delicate  for  that' 

"To  this  extent  has  Mr  Bain's  original  invention 
been  already  perfected,  and  with  it  his  name  is  probably 
destined  to  be  best  known.  Enough  has  been  said  to 
show  that  Mr  Bain  was  well  entitled  to  be  regarded  as 


30  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

a  public  benefactor.  It  would  appear,  however,  that  he 
himself  did  not  reap  much  permanent  benefit  from  the 
efforts  of  his  inventive  genius.  At  one  time  he  is 
understood  to  have  realised  a  considerable  fortune,  but 
this  he  subsequently  lost,  mainly,  it  is  believed,  through 
the  over-sanguine  prosecution  of  the  undertakings  which 
absorbed  his  attention.  For  one  thing,  he  is  said  to 
have  invested  heavily  in  a  stock  of  electric  clocks  from 
which  he  found  it  impossible  to  realise  anything  like 
the  return  he  had  expected. 

"  On  leaving  Edinburgh  he  betook  himself  to 
London,  but  it  does  not  appear  that  he  there  succeeded 
in  retrieving  his  position,  and  latterly  his  friends  found 
it  necessary  to  take  steps  for  affording  him  pecuniary 
assistance.  A  representation  of  his  case  to  the  Royal 
Society  secured  from  that  body  a  donation  of  £150. 
An  application  was  likewise  made  to  the  Government 
to  have  his  name  put  on  the  Civil  List,  and  in  the 
beginning  of  December  1873,  a  letter  was  received  from 
Mr  Gladstone  intimating  that  he  had  been  granted  a 
pension  of  £80  per  annum.  Meanwhile,  poor  Bain 
had  quitted  London  for  the  North,  leaving  the  matter 
in  charge  of  a  friend  to  receive  any  communication 
which  might  be  directed  to  him  from  Downing  Street. 

"  When  the  welcome  announcement  of  his  pension 
came,  the  beneficiary  could  nowhere  be  heard  of.  The 
circumstances  were  communicated  to  us,  but  a  consider- 
able interval  elapsed  before  personal  inquiries  and 
advertising  led  to  his  discovery.  This  well-bestowed 
recognition  of  his  labours,  however,  Mr  Bain  did  not 
long  enjoy.  He  was  recently  stricken  by  paralysis, 
and  completely  lost  the  power  of  his  lower  limbs.  He 
was  received  at  the  New  Home  for  Incurables  at 
Broomhall,  Kirkintillcch,  where  he  died  last  week,  and 
was  interred  in  the  burying-ground  in  the  neighbour- 
hood known  as  the  Old  Aisle  Cemetery. 

"  Mr  Bain,  who  was  a  widower,  was  about  sixty-six 
years  of  age,  and  a  native,  we  believe,  of  Thurso.  Photo- 
graphs of  him  were  recently  presented  to  the  Society  of 
Telegraph  Engineers  in  London,  and  the  American 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  31 

Society  of  Telegraphers,  at  Philadelphia.  As  already 
stated,  Mr  Bain's  valuable  discoveries  brought  him  but 
little  fame  or  reward  during  his  lifetime ;  his  memory 
is  therefore  the  more  entitled  to  the  grateful  remembrance 
of  all  who  take  an  interest  in  the  advancement  of 
science." — Scotsman,  loth  January  1877. 

This  kindly-worded  memoir  was  evidently  written  by 
one  who  had  known  him  well,  and  may  be  taken  as 
authoritative.  The  Dictionary  of  National  Biography 
gives  a  short  account  of  him,  and  supplements  the 
foregoing  information  that  he  served  his  apprenticeship 
with  a  watchmaker  in  Wick,  and  also  that  he  received 
as  much  as  seven  thousand  pounds  for  his  electric 
telegraph  patent.  This  large  sum  of  money  was 
principally  lost  in  litigation,  a  fact  fully  brought  out 
after  his  death,  for  we  notice  in  contemporary  news- 
papers that  even  then  claims  were  put  forward  by  some 
taking  full  credit  for  the  invention,  implying  that  the 
claimants  had  at  least  a  good  share  with  the  success  or 
otherwise  of  the  same.1  Be  that  as  it  may,  the  opinion 
held  at  the  present  time  is  that  Alexander  Bain,  if  not 
the  first  in  the  field,  was  the  first  Scotsman  to  enter  the 
then  unknown  science  of  Electricity  as  applied  to 
Horology.  Subjoined  is  a  list  of  his  patents  and  dates 
compiled  from  the  Specifications  of  British  Patents^  as 
published  by  the  Patent  Office,  No.  9,  old  series— 

ist  Patent,  dated  nth  January  1841,  No.  8783, 
granted  to  Alexander  Bain  and  John  Barwise. 

2nd  Patent,  dated  27th  May,  1843,  No.  9745,  granted 
to  Alexander  Bain. 

3rd  Patent,  for  electric  telegraph,  dated  25th  Septem- 
ber 1845,  No.  10,838,  granted  to  Alexander  Bain. 

4th  Patent,  for  clocks,  dated  I9th  February  1847, 
No.  11,584,  granted  to  Alexander  Bain. 

5th  Patent,  for  clocks,  dated  29th  May  1852, 
No.  14,146,  granted  to  Alexander  Bain. 

1  A  book  entitled  An  Account  of  some  Remarkable  Applications  of 
Electric  Fluid  to  the  Useful  Arts,  with  a  Vindication  of  Mr  Alexander 
Bain's  Claim  to  be  the  First  Inventor  of  the  Electro-Magnetic  Clock, 
published  in  London,  1843,  by  John  Finlaison. 


32  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

The  following  non-technical  accounts  of  his  inventions 
and  robbery  of  his  premises  are  deserving  of  preserva- 
tion, as  the  sources  from  which  they  are  taken  are 
difficult  to  get  together,  but  they  give  scant  justice  to 
the  talents  of  one,  who,  unfortunately  in-  these  days,  is 
wellnigh  forgotten. 

"  Society  of  Arts  Meeting  held  on  I4th  April  1845. — 
In  the  absence  of  Mr  Alexander  Bain,  the  patentee,  Mr 
Bryson,  V.P.,  exhibited  and  described  Mr  Bain's 
Electro-Magnetic  Clock.  The  clock  was  exhibited 
in  action  by  means  of  a  current  obtained  from  the 
earth. 

"  Mr  Bain  obtains  the  electricity  by  which  his  clocks 
are  moved  from  the  earth.  He  buries  a  quantity  of  coke 
in  the  ground  and  at  the  distance  of  a  few  feet  or  more 
he  buries  one  or  more  plates  of  zinc.  These  two 
elements  with  the  intervening  soil  form  a  galvanic 
battery  from  which  a  uniform  current  of  electricity  of 
very  low  tension  is  obtained.  It  is  the  constancy  of 
this  current  which  renders  it  available  as  a  motive 
power  for  time-keepers.  The  current  is  led  from  the 
coke  and  the  zinc  by  means  of  copper  wires,  the  two  ends 
of  which  terminate  in  the  upper  part  of  the  clock.  To 
obtain  motion  from  this  current,  Mr  Bain  forms  a 
pendulum  of  fir  rod,  and  instead  of  the  ordinary  bob  he 
employs  a  coil  or  bobbin  of  copper  wire,  the  wire  being 
covered  with  cotton  thread.  In  the  centre  of  this 
bobbin  is  a  hole,  upwards  of  an  inch  in  diameter, 
through  which  is  passed  a  case  containing  two  sets 
of  bar  magnets,  having  their  similar  poles  placed 
opposite  each  other  with  a  small  interval  between  them. 
The  coil  has  freedom  of  motion  along  the  case  con- 
taining the  magnets,  and  when  the  pendulum  is  at  rest 
the  coil  stands  over  the  adjacent  similar  poles  of  the 
magnets.  From  the  coil  proceed  two  wires  up  the  back 
of  the  pendulum  rod.  One  of  these  is  attached  to 
the  steel  spring  by  which  the  pendulum  is  suspended, 
and  that  is  in  metallic  connection  with  the  copper  wire 
proceeding  from  one  of  the  elements  of  the  battery  (say, 


ELECTRO-MAGNETIC  CLOCK. 

By  Alexander  Bain,  Edinburgh  ;  patented  1845.  Shown  at  the 
Glasgow  Historical  Exhibition,  1911.  The  property  of  William  B. 
Smith,  Glasgow.  (See  p.  32.) 


[To  face  page  32. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  33 

the  zinc).  The  other  wire  from  the  coil  terminates 
in  a  metallic  disc  near  the  point  of  suspension  of 
the  pendulum,  while  the  wire  proceeding  from  the  other 
element  of  the  battery  (say,  the  coke)  terminates  in 
a  screw  on  one  side  of  the  disc  above  mentioned. 

"  This  disc  is  like  a  small  inverted  pendulum  capable 
of  falling  to  the  right  and  left  alternately  when  its 
centre  of  gravity  becomes  changed  by  the  alternate 
motion  of  the  pendulum.  When  the  disc  falls  to  the 
one  side  the  current  flows  through  the  wire,  but  when  it 
falls  to  the  other  side  upon  a  detent  the  current 
is  broken.  On  the  return  of  the  pendulum  the  disc 
again  falls  on  the  screw  attached  to  the  wire  and  renews 
the  connection  betwixt  the  positive  and  negative  sides 
of  the  battery.  By  this  contact  a  stream  of  electricity 
passes  through  the  wire  and  coil,  and  as  this  takes 
place  when  the  pendulum  is  at  its  extreme  point 
of  deviation,  at  each  alternative  beat,  the  coil  has 
at  that  moment  one  of  the  sets  of  bar  magnets  nearly 
in  its  centre. 

"  Previous  discovery  had  shown  that,  when  a  coil 
of  copper  wire  is  thus  situated  with  respect  to  a  bar 
magnet,  it  will  immediately,  on  a  stream  of  electricity 
being  passed  through  it,  and  provided  it  has  freedom  of 
motion,  be  impelled  towards  one  or  other  of  the  poles  of 
the  magnet  according  to  the  direction  of  the  current  of 
electricity. 

"  It  is  this  fact  of  which  Mr  Bain  has  availed  himself 
to  give  motion  to  the  pendulum  of  his  clock,  and, 
accordingly,  whenever  the  pendulum  is  at  its  extreme 
point  of  deviation  from  the  perpendicular  on  one  side,  as 
already  described,  it  receives  an  impulse  in  aid  of 
its  gravitation  from  the  action  of  attraction  and  repulsion 
of  their  different  poles  exerted  by  the  bar  magnets 
on  the  electrified  coil  of  wire  forming  the  bob  of 
the  pendulum.  When  the  pendulum  moves  to  the  other 
side  the  disc  falls  to  the  opposite  side,  and  the  current 
of  electricity  being  thus  broken  the  pendulum  returns  by 
the  action  of  gravity  alone.  In  this  manner,  Mr  Bain 
maintains  the  oscillations  of  the  pendulum,  which  thus 

c 


34  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

becomes  the  prime  mover  of  the  clock,  and  by  simple 
mechanical  adaptations  is  made  to  drive  the  three  index 
wheels.  Mr  Bain's  invention,  however,  does  not  end 
here,  for  by  a  very  ingenious  contrivance  he  can  make 
the  principal  pendulum  clock  keep  in  motion  as  many  as 
twenty  or  thirty  other  clocks  which  will  keep  exact  time 
with  itself. 

"  Mr  Bain  has  contrived  several  methods  of  con- 
necting the  pendulum  with  the  wheels  of  the  clock,  and 
one  in  particular,  where  the  connection  is  maintained 
without  contact  and  consequently  without  friction. 
These  were  explained  to  the  meeting  as  was  also  the 
plan  which  Mr  Bain  has  in  view  for  making  the  electric 
clocks  strike  the  hours. 

"  The  great  advantage  which  these  clocks  present 
over  those  of  ordinary  construction  is  that  they  never 
require  to  be  wound  up.  Their  accuracy  as  time-keepers 
will  depend  on  two  points — the  uniformity  of  the  electric 
current  obtained  from  the  ground  and  the  perfect  com- 
pensation of  the  pendulum  for  temperature  and 
moisture,  an  element  of  importance  in  the  construction 
of  all  clocks.  So  far  as  experience  goes,  report 
speaks  favourably  of  the  performance  and  uniformity  of 
the  electric  current,  and  if  this  point  is  established 
Mr  Bain's  invention  must  be  regarded  as  completely 
successful,  and  his  clocks  will  be  introduced  into  general 
use. 

"  It  was  mentioned  that  Sir  Thomas  Brisbane,  whose 
eminence  as  an  astronomical  observer  is  well  known, 
has  ordered  one  of  these  clocks  from  Mr  Bain  in  order 
to  institute  a  series  of  observations  upon  its  qualities  as 
a  time-keeper.  This,  however,  has  chiefly  in  view  its 
fitness  for  nice  or  astronomical  purposes,  as  from  the 
trials  already  made  for  six  or  eight  months  past, 
it  would  appear  that  the  Electric  Clock  keeps  as 
accurate  time  as  our  house  clocks  on  the  common 
construction,  and  is  stated  to  be  no  more  expensive. 

"Thanks  were  voted  to  Mr  Bain  for  exhibiting 
the  Clock  and  to  Mr  Bryson  for  describing  it." 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  35 

"  Society  of  Arts  Meeting  held  on  I2th  May  1845— Mr 
Alexander  Bain,  the  patentee,  exhibited  and  described 
his  Electro-Magnetic  Telegraph. 

"  One  of  the  varieties  of  this  telegraph  was  exhibited 
in  action.  This  was  stated  to  be  by  far  the  simplest  of  the 
electro  telegraphs  which  have  been  invented.  It  acts  by 
means  of  a  single  wire,  and  can  be  laid  down  at  the  rate 
of  about  £50  per  mile,  besides  the  telegraph  apparatus 
which  will  cost  about  £12  for  each  station.  When  any 
signal  is  given  it  is  known  at  all  the  stations  instan- 
taneously, and  by  a  simple  contrivance  it  is  known 
to  which  or  from  which  the  message  has  been  sent  One 
of  these  telegraphs  is  'to  be  shortly  laid  down  on  the 
railway  from  Edinburgh  to  Glasgow.  Mr  Bain  also 
explained  the  way  in  which  he  made  the  discovery 
leading  to  the  simplification  of  the  electric  telegraph." 

11  The  public  is  aware  of  Mr  Bain's  invention  of 
the  electric  clock  which  derives  its  motive  power  from 
currents  of  electricity  in  the  earth.  Mr  Bain  has 
invented  and  patented  another  kind  of  electric  clock, 
which  was  exhibited  here  on  Wednesday  by  the  inventor 
to  a  few  scientific  gentlemen,  the  clock  being  in 
Glasgow  and  the  pendulum  in  Edinburgh.  By  means  of 
the  electric  telegraph  constructed  along  the  railway  by 
Mr  Bain,  he  intimated  his  wish  that  the  pendulum  at 
the  other  end  of  the  line  should  be  put  in  motion.  The 
answer  was  given  with  the  rapidity  of  thought,  for  the 
machinery  in  the  clock  instantly  began  to  move,  though 
the  two  were  forty-six  miles  apart.  They  were  joined 
by  means  of  the  wire  of  the  telegraph  in  such  a  manner 
that  by  a  current  of  electricity  the  machinery  in  the 
clock  at  Glasgow  was  made  to  move  correctly  according 
to  the  vibration  of  the  electrical  pendulum  in 
Edinburgh. 

"The  same  result  could  at  one  and  the  same 
time  have  been  produced  in  a  clock  at  the  Linlithgow 
and  another  at  the  Falkirk  stations  as  well  as  at 
the  Glasgow  terminus ;  that  is  to  say,  the  Edinburgh 
pendulum  could  have  equally  regulated  all  the  three 


36  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

which  would  thus  have  moved  together  like  one 
machine.  In  like  manner,  Mr  Bain  informed  us,  were 
the  telegraphic  wires  extended  over  the  whole  of 
Scotland,  and  every  railway  station  or  town  on  the  line 
had  its  own  electric  clock,  the  pendulum  at  Edinburgh 
would  propel  and  regulate  them  all.  And  still  further, 
were  England  and  Scotland  united  in  one  grand  chrono- 
metrical  alliance,  a  single  electric  pendulum  of  this 
description  placed  in  the  Observatory  at  Greenwich 
would  give  the  astronomical  time  correctly  throughout 
the  whole  country." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  4th 
May  1846. 

"  About  nine  o'clock  on  Friday  night,  Mr  Bain, 
patentee  for  electric  clocks,  and  who  lately  erected  one 
in  Hanover  Street,  had  occasion  to  leave  his  workshop, 
which  is  situated  in  an  upper  flat  in  Hanover  Street, 
to  go  to  the  Post  Office  for  a  few  minutes.  On 
his  return  he  found  the  door  on  the  pass  key  in  the 
same  manner  in  which  he  left,  and  on  entering  was 
amazed  to  find  that  the  premises  had  been  robbed 
of  several  gold  and  silver  watches,  also  a  splendid 
chronometer  enclosed  in  a  mahogany  case,  valued 
at  £$o.  It  is  not  known  by  what  access  the  thieves  got 
to  the  premises.  It  is  supposed  that  they  entered 
by  a  skylight  window  from  the  roof  which  was  open,  as 
Mr  Bain  had  not  observed  it  open  during-  the  day. 
Information  was  given  to  the  police,  who  are  on  an  active 
outlook  for  the  depredators.  The  loss  sustained  is 
thought  to  be  upwards  of  £130." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  loth  April  1845. 

BAIN,  GEORGE.     Upper  Wynd,  Brechin,  1837. 
BAIN,  JOHN.     Stirling,  1786. 

"A  WATCH  LOST.— On  Saturday  there  was  lost 
within  the  town  of  Stirling,  a  silver  watch  with  the 
proprietor's  name  printed  within  the  case,  having  a 
steel  chain  and  cut  ciphered  seal,  maker's  name, 
Beaunett,  London,  No.  6593.  Any  person  who  has 
the  same  is  desired  to  return  it  to  John  Bain,  watch- 
maker in  Stirling,  who  will  see  the  person  properly 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  37 

rewarded.  It  is  entreated  that  watchmakers  and  others 
will  keep  the  marks  above  mentioned  in  their  eye  and 
stop  it  if  offered  to  sale." — Caledonian  Mercury,  6th 
September  1786. 

BAIRD,  WALTER.     Argyll  Street,  Glasgow,  1848. 
BAIRNSFATHER,  ALEXANDER.     Edinburgh,  1780-87. 

Booked  apprentice  to  James  Howden  22nd  March 
1780.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  27th  March  1787. 

BALLANTINE,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1798. 

"Booked   apprentice   to  George  Skelton    I2th  June 
1798.     Discharged  of  his  indentures  4th  August  1804." — 
E.  H.  Records. 
BALLANTYNE,  JAMES.    Edinburgh,  1756. 

"Booked  apprentice  to  Thomas  Hall,  Canongate, 
I4th  October  1756."— C.  H.  Records. 

BALLANTYNE, .     High  Street,  Paisley,  1846. 

BALLANTYNE,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1778-1806. 

"  Lost,  a  silver  watch,  maker's  name,  Gibson,  Alnwick, 
No.  146.  It  was  dropped  between  Corstorphine  and 
Edinburgh  on  the  8th  curt.  Any  person  who  has  found 
the  same  will  please  return  it  to  William  Ballantyne, 
clock  and  watch  maker,  Head  of  Canongate,  who  will 
reward  them  handsomely." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant, 
1 5th  February  1798. 

"To  be  sold  by  public  roup  on  Thursday  the  27th 
January  1778,  the  first  story  and  south  garret  of  a 
tenement  in  the  west  side  of  the  Pleasance,  a  little 
above  the  Cowgate  Port,  and  nearly  opposite  to  Mr 
Macfarlane's  stable.  The  first  story  of  this  tenement 
is  possessed  by  Mr  Ballantyne,  watchmaker,  who  pays 
£7,  43.  of  rent." — Caledonian  Mercury,  26th  November 
1777. 

BALSILLIE,  ANDREW.     Crossgate,  Cupar-Fife,  1835. 

BANFF— Notices  regarding  the  Kirk   Clock  of  the  Burgh 
of,  from  1626  to  1886. 

2$th  March  1626. — "William  Williamson,  on  his 
admission  as  freeman  and  burgess,  binds  himself  to 
rule  and  hold  the  knok  in  temper  sufficiently  daily 
in  time  coming  during  his  health  and  abiding  in  the 


38  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

town  on  payment  to  him  of  20  merkis  yearly,  and 
gif  the  knok  happen  to  be  ane  quarter  ane  hour  out 
of  temper  the  said  William  discharges  ane  quarter's 
payment  of  his  ordinary  fee." 

1628. —  "Payments  occur  in  Treasurer's  accounts  for 
handling  of  the  knok  of  the  sums  of  £g  Scots  and  100 
merks,  this  last  being  paid  to  the  schoolmaster." 

ijth  June  1721. — "Orders  the  Provest  and  Bailie 
Sym  to  speak  to  John  Reid,  clockmaker,  to  notice  the 
kirk  clock  and  report  what  will  be  needful  to  cause  her 
right." 

\%th  May  1724. — "Paid  to  John  Reid,  watchmaker, 
£80,  los.  Scots  for  the  kirk  clock." 

1761. — "The  steeple  of  the  church  is  reported  in 
a  ruinous  state.  The  magistrates  appoint  the  bells  to 
to  be  taken  down  and  likewise  the  clock." 

2$rd  April  1762. — "Lord  Findlater  agrees  to  give 
1 20  guineas  for  an  entry  on  all  lands  and  heritages 
belonging  to  his  son  Lord  Deskford  holding  of  the 
town,  and  offers  to  give  40  guineas  more  in  a  present 
to  furnish  a  clock  for  the  new  steeple,  or  to  finish  the 
steeple  if  the  voluntary  contributions  fall  short." 

\2th  December  1766. — "John  Marr,  mason,  cleared 
[finished]  anent  his  work  at  the  steeple.  The  west 
dial  of  the  steeple  clock  has  hour  and  minute  hands, 
two  others  have  only  hour  hand.  A  thirty-hour  clock 
has  been  preferred  to  an  eight-day  one.  A  bell  of  30 
inches  diameter  to  be  put  up  in  the  steeple  for  striking 
the  hours  and  to  be  made  in  London." 

%th  December  1767. — "The  town's  funds  are  greatly 
exhausted  this  year  by  repairs  on  the  harbour  and 
other  public  works  and  purchasing  a  clock  and  bell, 
which,  with  the  expenses  of  the  dial  plates  and  putting 
up,  cost  above  £160  Sterling." 

1786. — "  Keeping  the  clock  in  repairs,  £60." 

1830. — "  Valued  this  year  at  £15." 

1886. — "Salary  of  keeper  of  clock,  £3,  33." 
From  the  Annals  of  Banff,  New  Spalding  Club  Series. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  39 

BANNERMAN,  GILBERT.     Banff,  1821. 

"  Marjory  Bannerman  or  Gardiner,  wife  of  William 
Gardiner  at  Battle,  served  Heir  General  to  her  father, 
Gilbert  Bannerman,  watchmaker,  Banff,  dated  28th 
February  1821.  Recorded  5th  March  1821. — Services 
of  Heirs. 

BARCLAY,  DAVID.     Montrose,  about  1830. 

BARCLAY,  HUGH.     Edinburgh,  1717-49. 

"  Son  to  the  deceast  George  Barclay,  minister  of  the 
Gospel  at  Sprouston,  was  booked  apprentice  to  Thomas 
Gordon,  Edinburgh,  nth  April  1717.  Compeared  on 
5th  August  1727  and  presented  his  essay,  viz.,  an  eight- 
day  pendulum  clock  and  a  lock  to  the  door,  which  was 
found  a  well-wrought  essay,  etc.,  and  was  accordingly 
admitted  an  ordinary  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker 
of  the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen,  Edinburgh.  His 
essay  masters  were  Alexander  Brownlee  and  George 
Aitken.  His  essay  was  made  in  Patrick  Gordon's  shop." 

27^  November  1731. — "There  being  a  complaint 
given  in  by  William  Sherriff,  apprentice  to  Hugh 
Barclay,  against  his  master  for  want  of  work  and 
craving  to  be  transferred.  The  house  names  Deacon 
Boswell,  Deacon  Bunkill,  Walter  Davidson,  Alexander 
Brown,  James  Wilson,  Thomas  and  Patrick  Gordon, 
John  Brown,  clockmaker,  and  Alexander  Brand,  with 
the  Deacon  and  Boxmaster,  to  be  a  committee  to 
consider  the  above  complaint  and  ordains  Hugh  Barclay 
to  see  and  answer  the  complaint  against  this  day 
sennight." 

i%th  January  1732. — "The  house  being  met,  they 
continue  the  Committee  on  Hugh  Barclay's  apprentice 
complaint  with  the  addition  of  David  Hodge,  and  they 
to  report  their  opinion  on  betwixt  and  the  next  quarter 
day." 

\2th  February  1732. — "The  Committee  upon  the 
complaint  of  Hugh  Barclay's  apprentice  and  the  answers 
thereto,  gave  in  their  report,  that  they  had  considered 
into  the  same  and  examined  both  master  and  apprentice. 
And  that  they  had  found  the  apprentice  to  have  been 


40  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

an  idle  inclined  boy  and  that  his  complaint  was  not 
altogether  right  founded.  And  that  therefore  they  had 
enjoined  him  to  return  back  to  his  master  and  serve 
him  faithfully  the  remaining  time  of  his  indentures, 
otherwise  he  should  have  no  title  to  his  freedom  (of 
the  Hammermen  Incorporation)  and  recommended  to 
his  master  to  give  all  the  insight  and  encouragement 
imaginable.  The  House  approves  of  the  Committee's 
procedure  yairin." — E.  H.  Records. 

The  City  Treasurer  ordered  to  pay  Hugh  Barclay 
£2,  8s.  for  mending  the  clock  in  the  Tron  Kirk  steeple  {see 
p.  24,  History  of  the  Tron  Kirk,  by  Rev.  Dugald  Butler). 

Hugh  Barclay  died  2Oth  June  1/49. 

BARCLAY,  PETER.     Lochwinnoch,  1706. 

His  name  appears  as  one  of  the  subscribers  for  the 
work  entitled  The  travels  of  true  godliness  from  the 
beginning  of  the  world  to  this  present  day,  by  Benjamin 
Heach,  Glasgow,  printed  by  Archibald  M'Lean  for 
Alexander  Weir,  bookseller  in  Paisley.  This  volume 
is  believed  to  be  the  first  work  published  in  Paisley. 

BARCLAY,  THOMAS.     High  Street,  Montrose,  1811-22. 

"  Thomas  Barclay,  watchmaker,  Montrose,  served 
Heir  of  Provision  General  to  his  father,  James  Barclay, 
Mason  there,  dated  5th  December  1811.  Recorded  I7th 
December  1811. — Services  of  Heirs. 

BARR,  FIDELE   and    THOMAS.     25   Greenside,  Edinburgh, 
1850. 

BARR,  MARK.     High  Street,  Lanark,  1836. 

BARR,  THOMAS.     Lanark,  died   2;th  April  1890,  aged  71 

years. 
BARR,  WILLIAM.     Muir  Wynd,  Hamilton,  1808-37. 

"FiVE  GUINEAS  REWARD.  —  Whereas  early  on 
Tuesday  morning,  the  I3th  curt,  the  shop  of  Wm.  Barr, 
watch  and  clock  maker  in  Hamilton,  was  broken  into 
and  nine  watches  carried  off,  makers'  names  and  numbers 
as  follows  :— 

D.  Williamson,  London,  No.  371. 
N.  Preston,  London,  No.  6013. 
B.  Richardson,  London,  No.  5577. 
A.  Anderson,  London,  No.  243. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  41 

"  A  hunting  watch  with  a  small  glass  by  Richardson, 
London.  A  close  hunting  watch,  Wm.  Barr,  Hamilton ; 
a  new  watch,  Edmonds,  flat  chapter  dial,  and  other 
two  watches,  names  and  numbers  unknown. 

"  This  is  to  give  notice  that  whoever  will  give  such 
information  to  Wm.  Barr,  in  Hamilton,  as  will  lead 
to  the  detection  of  the  above  articles  will  receive  five 
guineas'  reward  and  no  questions  asked." — Glasgow 
Courier,  I5th  September  1808. 

BARRIE,   ANDREW.     3   South   St   Andrew   Street,  Edin- 
burgh, 1840;  died  1907. 

"  The  board  of  directors  of  the  Edinburgh  and  Leith 
Gas  Light  Company  are  about  to  confer  a  boon  on 
the  inhabitants  of  the  New  Town  and  the  Public  gener- 
ally, by  lighting  gratuitously  the  handsome  clock  lately 
erected  by  Mr  Barrie  at  his  premises  in  South  Saint 
Andrew  Street.  From  its  elevated  position  in  one  of 
the  greatest  thoroughfares  and  its  proximity  to  the 
railway  terminus,  this  clock  will  no  doubt  be  found 
more  generally  useful  than  any  other  public  time-piece 
in  that  part  of  the  city." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant, 
nth  November  1850. 

BARNETT,  JOHN.     Nicolson  Street,  Edinburgh,  1846. 
BARRON,  JOHN,  Aberdeen,  1801  ;   died    3Oth    May  1852, 

aged  87. 
BARRON,  JOHN,  &  SON.     u  Nether- Kirkgate,  Aberdeen, 

1836. 

BARRON  &  GREY,     u  Nether-Kirkgate,  Aberdeen,  1846. 
BATCHELOR,  WILLIAM.     Dundee,  1816. 
BAXTER,  JOHN.     72   South    Street   and    Barrack   Street, 

Perth,  1841-43. 

BAXTER,  JOHN.     Dunkeld,  1836. 
BAXTER,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1797. 
BAYNE  OR  BANE,  JOHN.     Stirling,  1777-90. 
BEGG,  JOHN.     New  Town,  Glasgow,  1800. 

"  John  Begg,  Watch-maker,  Glasgow,  Agent  for  the 
Gum  Company,  has  got  a  fresh  cargo  of  that  well-known 
article  for  printfields.  It  is  unnecessary  to  say  anything 
with  respect  to  its  superior  quality  to  any  hitherto 
imported,  the  quick  sales  are  sufficient.  His  customers 
may  depend  on  being  regularly  supplied.  Those  who 


42  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

wish  to  purchase  should  apply  as  soon  as  possible. 
Terms  of  sale,  above  ten  pounds,  a  Bill  of  two  months ; 
under,  ready  money." — Glasgow  Courier,  i/th  May  1800. 

BEGG,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1804-7. 

"  Mr  John  Begg,  watchmaker  to  His  Majesty, 
respectfully  informs  the  Nobility,  Gentry,  and  the 
Public,  that  he  has  commenced  business  in  the  Watch 
and  clock  line,  in  his  chronometer  workshop  at  the 
King's  Arms,  Parliament  Square,  Edinburgh,  where 
may  be  had  on  the  most  approved  principles,  Time- 
pieces, viz.,  Longitudinal  to  go  at  sea,  Duplex  and 
detached  escapements  with  ruby  cylinders,  going  fusees, 
of  which  he  has  a  large  assortment.  Likewise  a  variety 
of  portable  time-pieces  in  imitation  of  marble,  with  or 
without  movements.  J.  B.  was  regularly  bred  to  the 
business,  having  served  his  apprenticeship  with  a  pupil 
of  the  celebrated  George  Graham,  London,  and  since 
improved  under  the  first  workmen  in  that  city.  He  had 
the  honour  of  being  introduced  to  His  Majesty,  who  is, 
without  exception,  the  first  amateur  in  Europe,  as  also 
into  the  presence  of  all  the  Royal  Family,  in  consequence 
of  a  curious  watch  invented  by  himself,  and  was  immedi- 
ately dignified  with  His  Majesty's  authority  appointing 
him  his  watchmaker  in  Scotland.  The  public  can  have 
any  kind  of  clock  or  watch,  as  he  has  the  making  within 
himself,  and  has  some  of  the  first  hands  in  Europe 
employed  for  this  purpose."  -  Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  /th  July  1804. 

"John  Begg,  the  only  watchmaker  to  His  Majesty 
for  Scotland,  announces  he  has  removed  his  chronometer 
workshop  from  Parliament  Square  to  17  Leith  Street 
Terrace.  Time-pieces,  viz.,  Longitudinal  to  go  at  sea, 
Duplex  and  detached  escapements  with  ruby  cylinders, 
going  fusees,  and  also  a  variety  of  portable  time-pieces. 
J.  B.  calls  attention  to  a  new  and  singularly  constructed 
watch,  his  sole  invention,  which  some  of  the  most 
competent  judges  admire  as  an  uncommon  production, 
being  unrivalled  by  any  professional  artist  whatever." — 
Ibid.,  1806. 

These  advertisements  bring  out  better  than  anything 
else  the  pretensions  and  recommendations  of  this 
individual.  Overshowed  by  his  near  neighbours,  such 
as  Thomas  Reid,  James  Gray,  and  others,  who,  being 
all  members  of  the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen, 


51 
S 


s 

11 


[To  face  page  42. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  43 

would  no  doubt  look  on  this  man  as  an  interloper,  he 
was  only  saved  from  legal  proceedings  by  his  royal 
appointment,  which  they  dared  not  challenge.  John 
Begg's  thoughts  about  such  a  society  are  curiously 
brought  out  in  the  evidence  that  was  led  in  a  dispute 
that  arose  in  Aberdeen  in  1806.  Previous  to  that  date 
clockmakers  were  not  fully  under  the  jurisdiction  of  the 
Hammermen  there,  and  it  was  not  till  that  year  that 
full  control  was  obtained  over  them.  This  was  not 
got  without  some  opposition,  and  the  losing  side  having 
consulted  an  Edinburgh  lawyer,  he,  in  turn,  sent  a 
communication  from  John  Begg  as  being  an  expert,  and 
well  able  to  give  an  opinion.  Begg  states  that  there 
are  few  living  that  are  better  acquainted  than  himself 
with  the  trade  monopoly  of  the  Hammermen  Incorpora- 
tion, in  consequence  of  their  charter  enabling  them  to 
force  and  compel  watchmakers  to  join  them.1  He  then 
goes  on  to  say  that  "  business  is  kept  out  of  the  country 
in  consequence  of  the  heavy  dues  exacted,  and  that  the 
trade  was  driven  into  the  hands  of  those  who  were  not 
trained,  so  that  there  is  scarcely  a  cloth  shop  or  hardware 
shop  that  does  not  deal  in  watches,  who  know  no  more 
about  a  watch  than  a  cow  does  of  a  new  coined  shilling, 
and  that  his  trade  being  an  art  should  be  above  the 
jurisdiction  of  any  trade  and  not  be  shackled  by  any 
incorporated  body."  This  plain  speaking  must  have 
given  offence  to  his  fellow  craftsmen,  and  may  account  for 
his  short  tenancy — one  year — of  the  shop  in  Parliament 
Square.  The  Leith  Street  Terrace  address  is  the  last 
trace  of  him  here,  the  surmise  being  that  the  opposition 
of  the  trade  made  his  business  efforts  an  uphill  fight, 
and  that  he  removed  from  Edinburgh  shortly  after  1807 

BEGGS,  THOMAS.     145  Trongate,  Glasgow,  1822-41. 

BELL,  ALEXANDER.     St  Andrews,  1785. 

"  OLD    ST    ANDREWS. — The    little    collection    of 
burghal  antiquities  in  the  Council  Chambers  has  been 

1  In  connection  with  this  compulsion  of  watchmakers,  it  will  be  seen 
in  the  notes  on  Dallaway  &  Son,  page  100,  that  no  craft  was  favoured 
more  than  another. 


44  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

recently  enriched  by  three  interesting  additions.  The 
first  of  these  is  a  receipt,  or,  to  be  more  strictly  accurate, 
two  receipts  of  different  dates,  written  on  the  same 
page  of  paper,  acknowledging  payment  of  salary  for 
two  consecutive  half  years  for  looking  after  the  town 
clock.  In  the  town's  safe  there  are  many  receipts,  but 
this  one  is  of  special  interest,  because  it  is  entirely  in 
the  handwriting  of  Bailie  Bell,  and  proves  that  for  a 
time  he  was  keeper  of  the  town  clock,  a  fact  which 
escaped  the  notice  of  Southey  in  writing  the  life  of 
the  Bailie's  famous  son,  Dr  Andrew  Bell,  the  founder 
of  the  Madras  College.  Southey  tells  that  the  father, 
Alexander  Bell,  was  a  man  of  extraordinary  abilities, 
and  having  acquired  no  inconsiderable  degree  of 
mechanical  and  practical  science,  added  to  his  original 
trade  of  barber  that  of  clock  and  watch  maker,  and 
regulated  by  observations  the  timepieces  in  the  public 
library  of  the  University.  Surely  the  town  clock  was 
of  much  more  importance  to  the  public  than  the  time- 
pieces in  the  University  library.  Bell  was  a  bailie, 
but  at  that  time,  and  long  afterwards,  magistrates  and 
councillors  were  not  debarred  from  serving  the  city 
for  payment.  The  payment  for  looking  after  the  town 
clock  was  three  pounds  sterling  a  year,  a  consider- 
able sum  in  those  days,  when  the  assistant  teacher 
in  the  grammar  school  only  received  seven  pounds  a 
year. 

"  Although  there  is  an  intervening  period  of  fully 
six  months  between  the  respective  dates  of  the  bailie's 
two  receipts,  it  seems  impossible  to  avoid  the  conclusion 
that  both  were  drawn  up  and  signed  at  the  same  time, 
for  not  only  are  they  written  on  the  same  piece  of 
paper,  but  that  piece  of  paper  has  been  folded  and 
preserved  as  a  voucher  with  this  endorsature :  'No.  61, 
Bailie  Bell's  receipt  for  £3  sterling.'  Why,  it  may  be 
asked,  did  he  write  two  receipts  instead  of  one.  The 
reason  is  more  transparent  than  recondite.  When  the 
assistant  teacher  already  referred  to  gave  a  receipt 
for  a  quarter's  salary,  £i,  153.,  no  stamp  was  required, 
but  when  he  gave  one  for  a  half  year's  salary,  £3,  ios., 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  45 

it    bore   an    impressed   twopenny   stamp.      The   bailie 
was  economical,  hence  the  following  reduplication  : — 

"'ST  ANDREWS,  loth  June  1785. — Received  from 
Mr  Andrew  Watson,  Factor  to  the  Town  of  St  Andrews, 
the  sum  of  one  pound  ten  shillings  for  keeping  the 
Town  Clock  from  Martinmas  Jai  vijc.  and  eighty-four 
to  Whitsunday  Jai  vijc.  and  eighty-five,  and  the  same 
is  discharged  by  Alex.  Bell.' 

"'ST  ANDREWS,  2ist  December  1785. — Received 
from  Mr  Andrew  Watson,  Factor  to  the  Town  of  St 
Andrews,  the  sum  of  one  pound  ten  shillings  for  keeping 
the  Town  Clock  from  Whitsunday  seventeen  hundred 
and  eighty-five  years  to  Martinmas  same  year,  which 
is  discharged  by  Alex.  Bell.' 

"The  salary  which  was  due  to  Bailie  Bell  at  the 
time  of  his  death  was  drawn  by  his  daughter  Agnes, 
who  in  1792,  with  her  sister  Janet,  sold  the  picturesque 
old  house  in  which  they  had  been  reared.  It  is  said 
to  have  consisted  of  two  stories  with  an  outer  staircase 
supported  by  wooden  pillars  and  a  wooden  projection 
into  the  street.  The  site  is  now  occupied  by  the  Citizen 
Office."— J.  H.  F.,  St  Andrews  Citizen,  2Oth  February 
1904. 

BELL,  ALEXANDER.    Glasgow,  1791. 
BELL,  ANDREW.     Haddington,  1769-90. 
BELL,  DAVID.     Stirling,  1801-50. 
BELL,  HENRY.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1660. 
BELL,  JAMES.     32  Potterrow,  Edinburgh,  1850. 
BELL,  JAMES.     Cambusnethan,  1770-90. 
BELL,  JOHN.     Canongate,  Jedburgh,  1837. 
BELL,  MATTHEW.     Edinburgh,  1680. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Richard  Mills,  1680. 
BELL,  WILLIAM,  son  of  above.     Cambusnethan,  1790-1820. 
BELL,  WILLIAM.     Bridge  Street,  Wick,  1837. 

BELL, .     Camnethan,  1700. 

BENSON,  DUNCAN.    Glasgow,  1843. 

BERRY,  JAMES.     52  Castle  Street,  Aberdeen,  1836-46. 


46  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

BERRY,  JAMES.     Stonehaven,  1840. 

BERRY,  WILLIAM.     Seal  Cutter,  Edinburgh,  1750. 

"  First  stair  below  the  Earl  of  Murray's  lodging, 
Canongate,  Edinburgh,  cuts  all  manner  of  Seals  on 
Stone,  Steel,  Silver,  and  Gold,  or  any  other  metal,  after 
the  best  and  neatest  manner,  where  gentlemen  and 
ladies  may  have  their  Arms,  Crests,  Cyphers,  or  Heads 
cut  to  pleasure,  and  all  at  the  lowest  rates. 

"  N.B. — He  also  cuts  and  sells  all  manner  of  Scots 
Pebbles  at  reasonable  rates." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  4th  January  1750." 

BEVERIDGE,  GEORGE.     Claymire,  Kettle,  Fife,  1799-1842. 

"  Betsy  Wemyss  or  Duff,  Sinclairtown,  served  Heir 
Portioner  to  her  grandfather,  George  Beveridge,  Clock- 
maker,  Shiells,  Kettle,  Fife.  Dated  2ist  September 
1842.  Recorded  6th  October  1842." — Services  of  Heirs. 

BEVERIDGE,  ROBERT.     Kirkcaldy,  1837. 

"  Betsy  Wemyss  or  Duff,  Sinclairtown,  served  Heir 
Portioner  General  to  her  uncle,  Robert  Beveridge,  Clock- 
maker,  Kirkcaldy.  Dated  loth  May  1843.  Recorded 
29th  May  1843." — Services  of  Heirs. 

BEVERIDGE,  ROBERT.     Newburgh,  Fife,  1835. 

BINNY  OR  BINNIE,  DANIEL.     Edinburgh,  1747-79. 

"  Son  to  the  deceast  James  Binny  of  Garnclare,  was 
booked  apprentice  to  Andrew  Dickie,  watchmaker, 
Edinburgh,  nth  June  1747." 

2^rd  June  1757. — "A  complaint  having  been  made 
that  Daniel  Binny  carried  on  the  clock  and  watch 
making  trade  under  pretence  of  being  servant  to  Mrs 
Geddes,  relict  of  James  Geddes,  clock  and  watch  maker. 
The  Incorporation  recommended  to  the  Convener  to 
inquire  at  Mrs  Geddes  if  or  not  Binny  works  to  her  as 
her  servant,  and,  if  not,  to  desire  Binny  desist  from 
working  within  the  privileges  of  this  city,  and  upon  his 
refusing  so  to  do,  to  give  proper  orders  for  prosecuting 
him  before  the  Magistrates." 

6th  August  1757. — "  Daniel  Binny,  late  apprentice  to 
Andrew  Dickie,  clock  and  watch  maker,  presented  a  bill 
to  be  admitted  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker  in  this 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  47 

Incorporation,  which  being  received,  he  was  admitted  to 
an  essay,  and  essay  masters  appointed  to  him.  The 
essay  to  be  presented  between  and  the  first  of  January 
next  to  come.  And  this  indulgence  of  so  long  a  delay 
was  granted  to  him  in  regard  that  the  essay  could  not 
be  well  finished  in  shorter  time.  But  declaring  that  this 
indulgence  should  be  no  precedent  in  time  coming  to 
the  members  of  the  other  arts  whose  essays  can  be 
finished  in  shorter  time,  Daniel  Binny  made  payment  of 
£$  sterling  as  the  first  half  of  his  upset  money,  and  is  to 
pay  the  other  half  at  his  admission." 

^th  February  1758. — "  Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  watch  movement  made  and  finished  in 
his  own  shop,  as  Andrew  Dickie,  landlord,  and  Robert 
Clidsdale,  William  Balfour,  and  Alexander  Brand,  essay 
masters  to  the  said  Daniel  Binny,  declared,  which  essay 
was  found  to  be  well  wrought,  etc.,  and  he  was  therefor 
admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker  of  the 
Incorporation,  and  he  paid  five  pounds  sterling  as  the 
last  half  of  his  upset  dues." — E.  H.  Records. 

"  All  persons  addebted  to  the  deceast  Andrew 
Dickie,  watchmaker,  are  hereby  desired  to  pay  what 
they  owed  him  to  Daniel  Binny,  watchmaker,  his 
nephew  and  sole  heir  and  executor,  or  to  David 
Lindsay,  writer  in  Edinburgh,  who  has  full  power  to 
receive  and  discharge  the  same. 

"  Daniel  Binny,  who  was  educated  by  his  uncle  to 
the  business,  has  moved  from  his  house  behind  the 
City  Guard  to  the  house  lately  possessed  by  Mr  Dickie 
in  Wilson's  Land,  Lawnmarket,  where  the  former 
customers  of  Mr  Dickie,  who  are  pleased  to  employ  him, 
and  his  own  customers,  of  whose  favour  he  hopes  the 
continuance,  will  be  served  with  care  and  despatch." — 
Caledonian  Mercury^  i8th  May  1765. 

"Daniel  Binny, clock  and  watch  maker  in  Edinburgh, 
and  nephew  of  the  deceased  Mr  Andrew  Dickie,  clock 
and  watch  maker  there,  thanks  his  customers  for  former 
favours,  and  begs  leave  to  acquaint  them  that  he  has 
moved  at  Whitsunday  last  from  Mr  Dickie's  late  shop 
in  Wilson's  Land,  Lawnmarket,  to  a  shop  within  the 
Nether  Bow,  north  side  of  the  street,  where  such  as  are 
pleased  to  favour  him  with  their  employment  or 


48  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

commissions  will  be  well  and  duly  served  with  clock  or 
watch  work  in  all  the  different  branches. 

"  It  is  hoped  that  all  persons  addebted  to  the  said 
deceased  Mr  Dickie,  or  the  said  Daniel  Binny,  his  heir 
and  executor,  either  by  accompt  or  otherwise,  will  pay 
up  what  they  are  owing  either  to  the  said  Daniel  Binny 
or  to  David  Lindsay,  writer  in  Edinburgh,  who  has 
power  to  receive  and  discharge  the  same,  and  thereby 
prevent  the  disagreeable  necessity  of  a  pursuit  if  this 
notice  is  not  speedily  complied  with." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  8th  June  1767. 

BINNY  &  GORDON.     Nether  Bow,  Edinburgh,  1774. 

BISHOP,  JAMES.     Musselburgh,  1787. 

BISHOP,  JAMES.     Foot  of  Pleasance,  Edinburgh,  1794. 

BISSET,  DAVID.     Perth,  1765. 

BISSET,  WILLIAM.     Perth,  1808. 

BISSET,  WILLIAM.     Dundee,  1781. 

BLACK,  ANDREW.     Leslie,  1837. 

BLACK,  ANDREW.     Colinsburgh,  1837. 

BLACK,  ANDREW.     Alloa,  1830-72. 

BLACK,  ANDREW.     146  Saltmarket,  Glasgow,  1818. 

BLACK,  ANDREW.     Leslie,  Fife,  1838. 

BLACK,  DAVID.     Colinsburgh,  Fife,  1830. 

BLACK,  JAMES.     Links,  Kirkcaldy,  1820-37. 

BLACK,  JAMES.     Church  Street,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  1836. 

BLACK,  JOHN.     16  Longacre,  Aberdeen,  1846. 

BLACK,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1771-77. 

"Booked  apprentice  to  William  Downie,  i7th  July 
1771  ;  required  to  serve  out  the  remainder  of  his  time 
with  Norman  Macpherson,  i8th  February  1777." — E.  H. 
Records. 

BLACK,  THOMAS.     17  Castle  Street,  Dumfries,  1837. 

BLACKIE,  GEORGE.     Musselburgh,  1796-1844. 

The  author  of  these  notes  is  in  possession  of  an 
eight-day  clock  made  by  this  maker.  Made  for  an 
ancestor  in  the  year  1800,  the  receipt  given  on  payment, 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  49 

which  is  preserved  also,  shows  that  seven  guineas  was 
the  cost. 

"  On  Monday  night  Mr  George  Blackie,  watchmaker, 
Musselburgh,  presented  a  handsome  clock  to  the  Free 
Church  congregation  of  that  place.  Mr  Blackie  is  one 
of  the  oldest  men  in  the  congregation,  being  about  70 
years  of  age.  '  And  that  he  might  live  to  finish  the 
clock1  has  been  of  late  with  him  a  frequent  wish." — 
The  Witness,  2ist  August  1844. 

"  George  Blackie,  watchmaker,  New  North  Parish, 
Edin.,  was  married  to  Isobel,  Lady  Yester's  Parish, 
daughter  of  the  deceased  David  Easter,  Musselburgh, 
22  Deer.  1795." — Edinburgh  Marriage  Register. 

BLACKIE,  JOHN.     Meadow  Bank,  Edinburgh,  1848. 

"  ROYAL  SCOTTISH  SOCIETY  OF  ARTS,  27^ 
November  1848. — At  a  meeting  held  on  this  date  there 
was  read  a  description  of  an  electric  clock  on  an 
improved  principle  by  Mr  John  Blackie,  electric  clock 
maker,  Meadow  Bank  Station,  North  British  Railway, 
Edinburgh. 

"  The  clock  was  exhibited  in  action.  This  clock  was 
stated  to  be  an  improvement  on  Mr  Bain's  electric 
clock,  both  in  the  mode  of  adjusting  the  permanent 
magnets  and  in  the  mode  of  breaking  and  re-establishing 
the  circuit;  the  break  being  less  liable  to  oxidise.  It 
was  also  stated  that  the  electric  current  acted  to  greater 
advantage  on  the  coil  of  the  pendulum.  Mr  Blackie 
also  claimed  as  new  the  simple  train  of  the  movement, 
which  consists  of  very  few  wheels,  and  he  also  claimed  a 
delicate  method  of  adjusting  the  length  of  the  pendulum." 

BLACKIE,  J.  R.,  36  Bridge  Street,  Leith,  1850. 

BLACKWOOD,  THOMAS.     Bridgend,  Kinnoul,  Perth,  1798. 

BLAIKIE,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1726. 

"  William  Blaikie,  watchmaker,  married  Margaret 
Swinton,  13  Novr.  1726." — Edinburgh  Marriage  Register. 

BLAIR,  ANDREW.     Edinburgh,  1775. 

Booked  apprentice  to  James  Howden  27th  December 
1775- 
BLAIR,  JAMES.     Kilwinning,  1836. 

D 


50  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

BLAIR,  THOMAS.     Perth,  1746. 

BONNAR,  MRS.     Portsburgh,  Edinburgh,  1802. 

"To  be  sold  by  Public  Roup  within  the  Royal 
Exchange  Coffee-house  upon  Friday,  the  5th  day  of 
February  1802,  at  one  o'clock  afternoon,  that  tenement 
of  houses  on  the  north  side  of  Portsburgh  with  a  large 
area  behind,  possessed  by  Mrs  Bonnar,  watchmaker, 
and  others,  yielding  £20  per  annum." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Couranl,  1st  February  1802. 

BONNAR,  ROBERT.     Dunfermline,  1733,  page  254. 

BOOKLESS,  PETER.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1798. 

BOOTH,  G.  &  SON.     36  Union  Street,  Aberdeen,  1820-46. 

BOOTH,  JAMES.     Auchinblae,  1837. 

BOOTH,  JOHN.     41  Upper  Kirkgate,  Aberdeen,  1820-46. 

BOVERICK,  SOBIESKI.     Edinburgh,  1768. 

"  S.  Boverick,  watchmaker  from  London,  having  had 
the  honour  of  exhibiting  his  collection  of  miniature 
curiosities  to  the  nobility  some  few  years  since,  thinks 
it  is  his  duty  to  acquaint  them  that  he  works  family  hair 
with  a  needle  in  so  extraordinary  a  manner  that  the 
newness  of  the  taste  and  the  delicacy  of  the  work  have 
been  admired  by  all  who  have  seen  it.  Specimens  of 
which,  with  the  prices,  may  be  seen  at  his  lodgings, 
Mrs  Wilson,  Anchor  Close,  second  story,  Edinburgh. 
Where  likewise  may  be  seen  the  above-mentioned 
curiosities." — Caledonian  Mercury,  3rd  September  1768. 

Admitted  a  member  of  Lodge  St  David,  Edinburgh, 
20th  September  1768. 

BOWDINGIS     OR     BOWDOWINGIS,     ADRIAN.     Edin- 
burgh, 1595. — Edinburgh  Baptismal  Register. 

BOWER,  JOHN.     Kirreymuir,  1802. 

BOWERS,  ANDREW.     Cupar-Fife,  1842. 

BOWIE,  JAMES.     Kirkcaldy,  1825. 

BOWIE,  JOHN.     Stirling,  1811. 

BOWIE,  WILLIAM.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1719. 

"Admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker  in 
Canongate  Hammermen,  nth  September  1719,  his 
essay  being  ane  balance  of  ane  watch  and  ane  pendulum 
spring  clock."— C.  H.  Records. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  51 

BOWIE, .     Kirkcaldy,  1779. 

"WATCH  LOST. — Lost  a  few  days  ago  between 
Gallatown  and  Kinghorn,  a  silver  watch,  maker's  name, 
James  Gabyd,  London,  No.  21968.  Whoever  has  found 
the  same  may  apply  to  Mr  Bowie,  watchmaker, 
Kirkcaldy,  who  will  give  a  suitable  reward." 

BO  YD,  JAMES.    Cupar-Fife,  1818. 

"Stolen  on  the  23rd  instant  a  plain  gold  watch, 
maker's  name,  Charles  Walker,  Coventry,  No.  3290. 
Anyone  stopping  her  will  be  handsomely  rewarded  by 
applying  to  Mr  Boyd,  watchmaker,  Cupar-Fife." — 
Edinburgh  Advertiser,  3Oth  June  1818. 

BRACKENRIDGE,  ALEXANDER.    Market  Lane,  Kilmar- 

nock,  1820. 

BRACKENRIDGE,  JAMES.     Kilmaurs,  1726. 
BRAND,  ALEXANDER.    Edinburgh,  1711-57. 

Married  Margaret  Tarbet,  23rd  Nov.  1711. 
"Admitted   a   freeman  clock    and  watch    maker   in 
Canongate  Hammermen,  I2th  April  1716,  his  essay  being 
ane  balance  of  ane  watch  and  ane  pendulum  spring  clock." 

"  There  was  stolen  out  of  a  gentleman's  chamber  on 
the  27th  May  last,  an  old  silver  watch  and  pendulum, 
with  hour  and  minute  hands,  made  by  Andrew  Brown, 
Edinburgh,  having  a  loose  pendant  and  a  ribbon  instead 
of  a  chain.  Any  person  who  can  give  notice  thereof  to 
Mr  James  M'Ewen,  bookseller,  or  Mr  Brand,  watch- 
maker, in  the  Mint,  so  as  the  watch  may  be  recovered, 
shall  have  a  suitable  reward  and  no  questions  asked." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  1st  June  1721. 

2gth  December  1726. — "The  which  day  the  general 
committee  convened,  the  Deacon  laid  before  them  that 
my  Lord  Provost  of  Edinburgh  had  called  for  him  and 
told  him  that  he  was  resolved  to  apply  to  the  Incorpora- 
tion, by  way  of  letter,  that  the  Incorporation  would  do 
him  the  favour,  and  make  him  the  compliment  of 
receiving  into  the  Incorporation  Alexander  Brand, 
Clockmaker,  an  freeman  among  them  though  not 
entitled  yairto,  but  more  as  a  favour  done  him.  And 
yairfor  craved  the  committee's  opinion  whether  he 
should  receive  the  said  letter  in  order  to  lay  it  before 


52  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

the  whole  house.  The  committee  by  plurality  of  votes 
are  of  the  opinion  that  the  Deacon  should  receive  the 
said  letter  from  my  Lord  Provost  and  lay  the  same 
before  the  whole  Incorporation  at  ye  next  meeting. 

^rd  January  1727. — "The  Deacon,  conform  to  the 
opinion  of  the  committee  at  last  meeting,  produced  a 
letter  to  the  Incorporation  from  my  Lord  Provost  as 
follows : — 

"EDINBURGH,  $oth  December  1726. — Alexander 
Brand,  Clockmaker  in  the  Mint,  being  very  well 
recommended  to  me  by  a  great  many  persons  of 
distinction  and  good  friends  to  the  city,  I  must  give 
you  and  the  Incorporation  the  trouble  of  interceding 
on  his  behalf  that  he  may  be  received  as  one  of  your 
number  upon  your  rinding  him  qualified,  and  his 
paying  what  dues  of  upset  you  think  reasonable.  If 
the  Incorporation  is  pleased  to  grant  this  request,  I  am 
very  sensible  it  will  be  an  act  of  very  great  generosity 
and  good  nature  to  him,  and  of  condescension  to  me.  I 
shall  always  be  found  to  make  suitable  returns,  being 
sincerely,  Sir,  the  Incorporation's  faithful  friend  and 
most  humble  servant,  GEORGE  DRUMMOND."1 

"The  said  letter  is  directed  to  Thomas  Giffard, 
Deacon,  and  his  brethren  the  Incorporation  of  the 
Hammermen  of  Edinburgh  : — 

"The  Deacon  yairfor  craved  the  Incorporation's 
opinion  of  the  said  letter,  and  whether  they  would  grant 
the  favour  desired  and  upon  what  terms.  The  Incorpora- 
tion having  taken  the  same  into  yair  consideration  and 
reasoned  yair  upon  for  some  time,  it  is  put  to  ye  vote 
whether  they  should  grant  the  desire  of  the  Provost's 
letter  by  receiving  the  said  Alexander  Brand  a  freeman 
to  ye  Incorporation  or  not.  Carried  without  a  contrair 
vote  that  the  said  Alexander  Brand  shall  be  received, 
and  yairfor,  in  compliment  to  my  Lord  Provost,  they 
admitted  the  said  Alexander  Brand  to  ane  essay,  viz., 

1  This  George  Drummond,  as  is  well  known,  was  one  of  the  most 
able  Lord  Provosts  the  city  of  Edinburgh  had  during  the  eighteenth 
century,  and  his  name  will  always  be  remembered  for  the  part  he  took 
in  the  erection  of  the  first  North  Bridge,  an  enterprise  which  was 
productive  of  much  prosperity  to  the  city. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  53 

ane  eight  days'  pendulum  clock  and  a  lock-  to  the  door 
with  a  key.  The  essaymasters  are  Alexander  Brownlie 
and  William  Richardson.  His  essay  to  be  made  in 
John  Brown's  shop,  and  presented  betwixt  and  Whit- 
sunday next.  He  payed  the  boxmaster  £53,  6s.  8d 
(Scots)  as  the  half  of  his  upset  and  ten  merks  as  the 
half  of  the  (Trades)  Maiden  Hospital,  and  he  is  to  pay 
the  other  half  when  he  presents  his  essay." 

6th  April  1727. — "The  which  day  the  house  being 
met,  compeared  Alexander  Brand,  Clockmaker  in 
Edinburgh,  and  presented  his  essay  conform  to  the 
minutes  of  January  last,  viz.,  ane  eight  days'  pendulum 
clock  and  a  lock  to  the  door  with  a  key,  which  was  found 
a  well  wrought  essay,  etc." 

These  extracts  from  the  E.  H.  Records  give  faithfully 
a  complete  account  of  what  was  then  considered  as  a 
most  uncommon  request,  it  being  almost  impossible 
for  an  outsider  to  obtain  admission  into  this  close 
incorporation  unless  he  had  either  the  right  by  marriage 
or  else  had  first  served  an  apprenticeship  to  one  of 
their  own  number.  Two  points  are  brought  out  in  the 
successful  issue,  viz.,  the  powerful  influence  that  Lord 
Provost  Drummond  had  with  the  craftsmen  citizens  of 
Edinburgh,  and  the  popularity  and  respect  Alexander 
Brand  was  held  in.  He  appears  to  have  been  grateful 
for  the  privilege  for  the  clock  he  made,  for  his  essay 
was  presented  by  him  to  the  Incorporation,  who  placed 
it  in  the  Magdalen  Chapel,  their  meeting  place,  where  it 
still  remains  to  this  day,  unfortunately  now  silent  from 
neglect.  The  surmise  is  that  Brand  died  about  1757. 
BRAND,  JAMES.  Edinburgh,  1732.93. 

"  Son  of  Robert  Brand,  wright  in  Brocklaw,  in  the 
shire  of  Mearns,  is  booked  apprentice  to  Alexander 
Brand,  Clock  and  Watch  maker,  5th  August  1732."— 
E.  H.  Records. 

BRAND,  JOHN.     Dumfries,  1790-1802. 
BRANDER,  JAMES.     Keith ;  died  nth  March  1835,  aged  47. 
BREAKENRIG,  ALEXANDER.     Edinburgh,  1800-26.     See 
P.  55- 


54  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

BREAKENRIG,  JAMES.  Lawnmarket,  Edinburgh,  1802-6. 
Son  of  Robert ;  succeeded  to  his  father's  business 
in  the  Grassmarket,  which  he  removed  to  the  Lawn- 
market  ;  but  at  what  date  is  unknown.  He,  different 
from  the  father,  was  regularly  apprenticed  to  the  trade, 
as  on  the  I2th  February  1802  he  compeared  and 
presented  his  essay,  being  a  clock  movement  begun 
and  finished  in  his  own  shop  in  presence  of  David 
Murray,  landlord,  James  Howden,  Robert  Hinmers,  and 
Ebenezer  Annan,  essay  masters,  as  they  declared,  and  he 
was  accordingly  admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch 
maker  in  the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen,  Edinburgh. 

"  Lost  at  the  Queensferry,  on  Monday  I2th  of  June,  a 
silver  watch,  maker's  name,  Charles  Thompson,  London, 
No.  11336.  Whoever  will  restore  the  same  to  James 
Breakenrig,  watchmaker,  Lawnmarket,  Edinburgh,  or  to 
John  Brown,  innkeeper,  Queensferry,  shall  receive  a 
suitable  reward." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  2nd 
July  1802. 

James  Breakenrig  died  in  1806,  the  business  being 
continued  on  till  1817  by  his  widow. 

"  UNCLAIMED  WATCHES. — There  was  found  among 
the  effects  of  the  late  Mrs  Breakenrig,  watchmaker, 
Lawnmarket,  several  silver  watches  given  in  to  her  to  be 
repaired,  some  of  which  have  never  been  applied  for  and 
the  owners  are  unknown.  If  therefore  those  to  whom 
these  watches  belong  do  not  apply  for  them  to  William 
Lothian,  writer,  Milne's  Court,  within  one  month  from 
this  date,  they  will  be  sold  for  behoof  of  the  deceased 
creditors." — Edinburgh  Advertiser,  i6th  January  1818. 

BREAKENRIG,  JOHN.  West  Port,  Edinburgh,  1767-1800. 
This  we  take  to  be  the  brother  of  Robert  Breakenrig, 
Grassmarket.  It  is  probable  that  he  was  employed  by 
his  brother,  and  on  the  latter's  death  was  forced  to 
commence  work  on  his  own  behalf,  for  his  brother  had 
left  a  son,  James,  to  carry  on  his  business.  Not 
having  the  qualifications  of  Robert  in  the  way  of  special 
services  to  further  his  interests,  the  only  other  way  was 
to  become  a  freeman  Hammerman,  and  he  therefore 
compeared  on  I4th  November  1767  and  presented 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  55 

a  bill  craving  to  be  admitted  a  clock  and  watch  maker 
freeman  in  Portsburgh.  This  application  was  favourably 
received  and  his  essay  and  essay  masters  were  appointed. 
He  compeared  on  3<Dth  January  1768  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  the  movement  of  a  clock,  begun,  made, 
and  finished  in  his  own  shop,  in  presence  of  James 
Hutton,  landlord,  John  Chalmers,  and  John  Safely, 
essaymasters,  as  they  declared,  etc. 

He  commenced  business  in  what  came  to  be  known 
as  No.  107  West  Port,  which  he  carried  on  till  about 
1800.  Probably  dying  about  this  date,  the  business 
was  continued  by  his  son,  Alexander  Breakenrig,  till 
1826.  This  shop  had  as  a  sign  above  the  door  a  large 
gilded  watch  with  the  following  :  "  Established  1768."  In 
1826  the  business  fell  into  the  hands  of  James  Webster 
(q.v.),  who  carried  it  on  till  1868,  thus  continuing  a  con- 
nection which  had  lasted  nearly  a  century. 

"EXCHEQUER  CHAMBERS,  i$th  May  1804. — Notice 
is  hereby  given  to  all  concerned  that  Margaret  Chalmers, 
sometime  spouse  and  afterwards  relict  of  John 
Breakenrig,  clock  and  watch  maker  in  Portsburgh  of 
Edinburgh,  has  applied  to  the  Right  Hon.  the  Barons 
for  a  gift  of  '  Ultimus  Haeres '  of  the  estate  and  effects 
of  the  deceased  Janet  Kelly,  shop-keeper  in  North 
Leith." 

BREAKENRIG,  ROBERT.    Edinburgh,  1757-1762. 

This  unusual  surname  admits  of  quite  a  variation 
in  the  way  of  spelling.  On  a  large  number  of  dials  it 
is  to  be  found  as  Brakenrig,  Braikenrig,  Brackenrig, 
Breakenrig,  and  Breakenridge,  this  second  last  being 
the  usual  spelling  of  at  least  two  of  the  family. 
The  surname  occurs  in  the  E.  H.  Records  as  early 
as  1677  when  one  Charles  Breakenrig  is  allowed  a  sum 
of  £12  (Scots)  as  his  yearly  pension.  What  his  trade 
or  craft  was  does  not  appear,  and  there  is  no  mention 
of  the  name  until  the  year  1757,  when  Robert 
Breakenrig  comes  into  authentic  history.  We  therefore 
commence  with  what  is  to  be  found  concerning  him 
as  he  is  really  the  first  of  the  family  known  as  clock- 
maker. 


56  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

$th  February  1757. — "On  this  day  there  was  given 
in  a  complaint  against  Robert  Breakenrig  for  working 
within  the  privileges  of  the  city,  being  an  unfreeman, 
and  he  was  desired  to  desist  from  working,  and  in  case 
of  refusal  to  give  proper  orders  for  prosecuting  him 
before  the  magistrates." 

*jth  May  1757. — "  Robert  Breakenrig  had,  during  the 
late  press  for  land  forces  into  his  majestey's  service, 
produced  a  discharge  bearing  that  he  had  served  as 
a  soldier  in  the  late  war,  and  which,  the  magistrates 
were  of  opinion,  not  only  protected  him  from  being 
adjudged  into  his  majestey's  service,  but  also  entitled  him 
to  the  freedom  of  any  incorporation." — E.  H.  Records. 

He  was  safe  under  this  "permit,"  but  had  to  pay 
what  was  known  as  stallenger's  dues,  generally  a  sum 
of  £2  sterling  yearly.  Thomas  Reid,  in  his  treatise 
on  Clock  and  Watch  Making,  refers  to  him  as  being 
an  excellent  worker,  and  notes  that  he  made  a  small 
spring  clock  with  a  duplex  escapement  a  few  years  after 
Throut's  treatise  was  published.  Might  we  not  surmise 
that  Breakenrig  had  stumbled  on  the  same  improvement 
without  knowing  the  value  of  his  discovery.  The  last 
mention  that  I  have  been  able  to  discover  occurs  in 
an  advertisement  in  the  Edinburgh  Evening  Courant  of 
the  1 9th  July  1762. 

"  Stolen  or  lost  at  Hamilton,  a  silver  watch,  curved 
round  the  border  of  the  plate  between  the  figures, 
maker's  name,  Richard  Trapp,  marked  on  both  the  out 
and  inside  No.  5696.  Whoever  has  found  the  said 
watch  and  will  restore  it  to  Mr  Breakenrig,  watchmaker 
in  the  Grassmarket,  Edinburgh,  shall  be  sufficiently 
rewarded." 

BREAKENRIG,  ROBIN.     Edinburgh,  1761. 

BRECKENRIDGE,  ALEXANDER.     Market  Lane,  Kilmar- 
nock,  1799. 

BRECKENRIDGE,  A.,  &  SON.     Kilmarnock,  1799-1848. 

"  He  began  business  in  1799,  his  premises  being 
in  Market  Lane  on  part  of  the  site  now  occupied  by 
the  Market  Hotel;  in  1836  he  removed  to  King  Street, 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  57 

the  firm  name  being  A  Breckenridge  &  sSon.  Mr 
Breckenridge  died  in  1848  and  the  business  was  con- 
tinued by  the  son  and  afterwards  by  a  daughter 
under  the  same  firm  name  until  about  1898." — Kilmar- 
nock  Standard,  28th  May  1913. 

BRECKENRIDGE,  WILLIAM.     King  Street,  Kilmarnock, 
1850. 

BREMNER,  WILLIAM.     High  Street,  Kirkwall,  1835. 

BRIDGES,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh,  1691. 

An  Englishman;  booked  journeyman  to  Andrew 
Brown,  present  boxmaster,  on  9th  September  1691.  He 
paid  40  shillings  and  the  other  dues." — E.  H.  Records. 

BRIGGS,  ALEXANDER.    Edinburgh,  1762. 

"  Bound  apprentice  to  John  Dalgleish,  5th  July  1762." 
—E.  H.  Records. 

BROTHERSON  &  MACKAY.     Dalkeith,  1830-44. 
BROWN,  ALEXANDER.    Arcade,  Glasgow,  1836. 
BROWN,  ALEXANDER.    Coatbridge,  1847. 

BROWN,   ALEXANDER  &   Co.     3  Union  Street,  Glasgow, 
1837-41. 

BROWN,  ANDREW.     Edinburgh,  1665-1712. 

"The  second  day  of  February  1665.  The  quilk  day, 
Andro  Broun,  sone  lawfull  to  umquhil  Jon  Broun,  in 
Lang  Newtone,  is  booked  prentice  to  Umpra  Milne, 
clock  maker." 

^th  August  1675. — "The  quilk  day,  in  presence  of 
the  Deacon  and  brethren,  compeared  Andrew  Brown, 
Knokmaker,  sometime  prentice  to  Humphrey  Milne, 
knokmaker,  burgess  of  Edinburgh,  and  presented  his 
essay,  to  wit,  ane  knok  with  a  watch  larum  and  ane  lock 
upon  the  door,  which  was  found  to  be  a  weill  wrought 
ane  essay,  able  to  serve  His  Majesty's  leigis,  and  yairfor 
they  admitit  and  received  him  to  be  ane  ordainary 
freeman  amongst  them  in  his  airt  and  trade  of  knok- 
making.  His  essay  masters  Jon  Alexander  and  Jon 
Callender,  his  essay  was  made  in  Jon  Alexander  his 
house.  He  payet  to  the  boxmaster  £100  Scots,  etc." 


58  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

Elected  boxmaster  or  treasurer  to  the  Incorporation 
of  Hammermen,  Edinburgh,  I4th  September  1689. 

22nd  February  1692. — "The  whilk  day  the  Deacon, 
Boxmaster,  and  Patrick  Drysdaill,  John  Harvie,  and 
John  Alexander,  being  convened  as  a  committee 
appointed  by  the  haill  house,  and  having  considered 
the  late  boxmaster,  Andrew  Brown,  his  accompts,  and 
that  therein  he  hath  charged  himself  of  £46  of  ground 
annuell,  due  out  of  Mylne's  land  at  the  New  well 
proceeding  Whitsunday  1691,  and  that  he  hath  only 
received  £10  yairof  from  Walter  Glendenning,  one  of 
the  tenants,  and  given  his  receipt  therefor.  So  that 
there  is  resting  to  him  £36,  6s.,  quilk  he  has  compted 
for.  It  is  their  opinion  that  the  foresaid  sum  due  as 
ground  annuell  should  be  defalked  off  Andrew  Brown's 
compt,  and  the  present  boxmaster  appointed  to  get  a 
decreet  against  those  liable  in  ground  annuell." 

ijth  May  1711. — "The  house,  by  plurality  of  votes, 
appoints  the  boxmaster  to  lend  to  Andrew  Brown, 
clockmaker,  one  thousand  pounds  (Scots),  upon  his 
granting  to  them  an  heritable  bond,  bearing  infefment 
for  the  annual  rent  yair  out  of  his  cellar.  The  principal 
sum  to  be  payable  at  Martinmas,  with  a  rent  from 
Whitsunday  last,  and  two  hundred  merks  of  penalty." 

\2thAprilij\2. — "There  being  a  petition  given  in 
by  Andrew  Brown,  son  to  the  deceast  Andrew  Brown, 
clockmaker,  craving  the  Incorporation  would  give  him 
some  money  for  defraying  his  charges  to  London,  and 
mentioning  the  great  wants,  straits,  and  necessity  he 
lay  under,  and  declaring  he  should  never  be  more 
troublesome  to  the  Incorporation.  Which  being  read 
and  considered  by  the  house,  they  unanimously  ordain 
the  boxmaster  to  give  thirty  pounds  Scots  to  the  said 
Andrew  Brown,  to  help  in  manner  as  mentioned,  and 
take  his  discharge  of  the  same." — E.  H.  Records. 

For  further  particulars  about  this  able  man,  see  notes 
on  Magdalen  Chapel,  Clock  and  Bell,  page  246. 

In  trying  to  get  some  contemporary  notices  about 
him,  two  advertisements  printed  in  the  Edinburgh 
Gazette  of  the  year  1699,  an  Edinburgh  newspaper  of 


LONG  CASE  CLOCK, 

In  marquetry  case.  By  Andrew 
Brown,  Edinburgh,  1665-1712.  The 
property  of  the  Faculty  of  Advocates. 
(See  p.  58.) 


LONG   CASE   CLOCK, 
In    walnut    cu^e.      By    Thomas 
Gordon,  '.EdSntHirghy    1688  ^1.^3- 
The  property  .pf  t,he  Pank  of  Scot- 
land/Edinburgh.  JJ^J^^J  I  ,'/ 


[  To  face  page  58. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  59 

exceeding  rarity  (only  one  volume  is  believed  to  be 
extant,  and  that  now  in  private  hands),  we  get  a  peep 
at  something  more  than  the  information  contained  in 
the  official  books  of  his  incorporation. 

"Lost  between  Edinburgh  and  Dalkeith,  a  plain 
silver  watch  with  a  shagreen  pin'd  case,  goes  with  a 
therm,  having  the  day  of  the  month  on  the  dyal  plate 
hanging  on  an  old  flour'd  ribbon.  Whoever  brings 
the  said  watch  to  Andrew  Brown,  watchmaker  in 
Edinburgh,  shall  have  half  a  guinea  reward." 

"  James  Barrow,  aged  about  twenty,  of  a  low  stature, 
a  little  pock-marked,  speaks  the  English  accent,  had  on 
when  he  went  away  a  short  flaxen  coll  cut  wig,  in  an 
ordinary  habit ;  run  away  from  his  master  the  nineteenth 
instant,  with  a  plain  gold  watch  without  a  christal,  with 
an  enambiled  dial,  the  enembling  on  the  figures  is 
broken  off,  a  silver  pendulum  watch  with  a  minute  hand 
made  by  William  Young,  at  Charing  Cross,  London, 
with  a  shagreen  case,  the  centre  and  balance  wheels 
pierced,  a  plain  silver  watch  and  an  oval  brass  watch, 
with  several  other  things.  Whoever  can  secure  the  said 
youth  and  give  notice  thereof  to  Captain  Andrew 
Brown,  watchmaker  in  Edinburgh,  shall  have  two 
guineas  reward." 

It  will  be  noticed  in  the  last  advertisement  that  he  is 
designated  "Captain."  This  title  he  acquired  in  1685 
when  he  was  made  Captain  of  the  Red  and  Yellow  in 
the  Trained  Band,  which  did  duty  then  in  guarding  and 
watching  the  city.  This  position  was  bound  to  have 
made  him  a  well-known  figure  in  Edinburgh,  but  he 
never  appears  to  have  sought  municipal  honours.  This 
duty  and  attention  to  his  extensive  business  filled  up 
a  useful  life  till  1711. 

In  view  of  the  long  time  he  was  in  business — thirty- 
five  years — it  is  remarkable  how  exceeding  scarce  are 
specimens  of  his  art.  Only  three  have  come  under  our 
notice :  one  being  the  splendid  clock  in  the  lobby  of 
the  Advocates'  Library;  another  which  was  exposed 
for  sale  in  the  window  of  a  dealer  in  Queen  Street, 
Edinburgh — both  these  two  having  cases  of  beautiful 
and  chaste  marquetry ;  and  the  third  one  in  possession 
of  a  private  party  in  Linlithgow. 


60  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

BROWN,  CHARLES.     Stranraer;  died  1844. 
BROWN,  CHARLES.     4  Bristo  Street,  Edinburgh,  1850. 
BROWN,  DANIEL.     High  Street,  Glasgow,  1783. 

BROWN,  DANIEL.     Mauchline. 

Maker  of  the  clock  which  was  sold  on  the  dispersal 
of  the  poet  Burns's  furniture  on  I7th  April  1834  for  .£35. 

BROWN,  DAVID.     Edinburgh,  1772-81. 

Booked  apprentice  to  James  Cowan,  3ist  October 
1772. 

BROWN,  GEORGE.     Edinburgh,  1772-1825. 

Bound  apprentice  to  James  Gray,  3rd  December 
1772,  and  discharged  of  his  indentures  by  him,  22nd 
June  1779. 

1st  February  1812. — "  Compeared  and  produced  his 
essay,  viz.,  a  clock  movement  begun,  made  and  finished 
in  his  own  shop,  in  presence  of  James  Ramage,  landlord, 
and  James  Clark,  essay  masters,  as  they  declared." — 
E.  H.  Records. 

Was  in  business  at  Nicolson  Street,  1794;  head  of 
Canongate,  1804;  92  High  Street,  1821.  Died  28th 
March  1825,  aged  65  years. 

BROWN,     GEORGE.      Linlithgow,     1710.      See     note     on 
Linlithgow  Town  Clock. 

BROWN,  GEORGE.     Airdrie,  1817-37. 
BROWN,  GEORGE.    Glasgow,  1830. 
BROWN,  GEORGE  B.     38  Shore,  Leith,  1836. 
BROWN,  GEORGE.     West  Port,  Arbroath,  1834. 
BROWN,  JAMES.     Elgin,  1726-68. 

BROWN,  JAMES.     Aberdeen,  1720-33.     See  note  on  Elgin 
Clocks,  page  137. 

BROWN,  MRS  J.      35    South    Bridge    Street,    Edinburgh, 
1837- 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  61 

BROWN,  JOHN.     Edinburgh, -1680-1710. 

"  Son  to  Andro  Broun,  Tailor,  burgess  of  Edinburgh, 
was  booked  apprentice  to  Andrew  Brown,  2ist  October 
1680." 

2^tk  August  1689. — "Compearit  John  Brown,  late 
prentice  to  Andrew  Brown,  clockmaker,  burgess  of 
Edinburgh,  and  presented  his  essay,  viz.,  a  house  clock 
with  a  watch  larum,  and  locks  upon  the  doors,  which  was 
found  a  well  wrought  essay,  etc.  His  essay  masters 
were  Richard  Mills,  David  Cockburn,  and  John 
Alexander.  The  essay  was  made  in  Andrew  Brown's 
shop.  He  payed  to  the  boxmaster  'ane  hundreth' 
pounds  (Scots)  for  his  upset  and  ten  merks  for  the 
firelock  and  bandeliers." 

This  last  refers  to  a  statute  issued  by  the  Town 
Council  requiring  the  various  craft  incorporations  to 
furnish  so  many  defensive  weapons  for  either  watching 
or  defending  the  city. 

2^th  July  1710. — "The  which  day  the  Incorporation 
of  Hammermen  being  met,  they  ordain  the  boxmaster 
to  give  to  Grisel  Dalrymple,  relict  of  John  Brown, 
clockmaker,  ten  shillings  sterling  to  help  her  in  her 
present  straits." — E.  H.  Records. 

BROWN,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1720-50. 

2\st  May  1720. — "Compeared  John  Brown,  son  to 
the  deceast  John  Brown,  Clockmaker,  and  presented  his 
essay,  viz.,  ane  eight-day  pendulum  clock  and  a  lock 
to  the  door  with  a  key  which  was  found  a  weill 
wrought  essay,  etc.  His  essay  masters  were  Patrick 
Gordon  and  George  Auld.  His  essay  was  made  in 
Alexander  Brownlie's  shop." 

"John  Brown,  watchmaker,  North  Kirk  Parish, 
married  Margaret  Syme,  daughter  to  the  late  John 
Syme,  Captain  of  the  City  Guard,  25  Feby.  1733." — 
Edinburgh  Marriage  Register. 

27 th  July  1745. — "The  which  day  the  house 
unanimously  continued  John  Brown,  watchmaker,  to 
represent  the  Incorporation  and  be  one  of  the  managers 
of  the  Charity  Work  House  of  this  city  for  the  ensuing 
year." 


62  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

loth  September  1745. — "Thereafter  the  house 
proceeded  to  the  election  of  their  treasurer  for  the 
ensuing  year,  and  the  Deacon  named  George  Boswell 
John  Brown,  and  Malcolm  Brown,  to  be  the  leet  of  three 
for  that  office  ;  and  the  vote  being  stated,  George  Boswell, 
ten,  John  Brown,  thirty-nine,  Malcolm  Brown,  nine, 
the  house  unanimously  made  choice  of  John  Brown, 
watchmaker,  to  be  treasurer  to  the  Incorporation,  who 
accepted  thereof  and  give  his  oath  for  faithful  administra- 
tion, and  took  his  chair  accordingly." 

He  filled  the  same  office  1746-47-48. 

4th  May  1754. — "  Kathrine  Brown,  daughter  to  the 
deceast  John  Brown,  late  watchmaker,  freeman  of  this 
Incorporation,  was  by  a  great  majority  elected  and 

nominated  to  supply  the  place  of Jackson  in  the 

Trades  Maiden  Hospital  at  the  gift  of  the  Incorporation. 
She  was  born  the  i6th  June  1744,  as  appeared  by  a 
certificate  produced  under  the  hand  of  James  Craig, 
Session-Clerk,  and  of  this  election  the  clerk  is  appointed 
to  give  to  the  said  Kathrine  Brown  an  extract  gratis." 

2nd  November  1771. — "It  being  motioned  that  the 
widow  of  John  Brown,  Clock  &  Watchmaker,  had  a 
view  of  getting  into  the  Trinity  Hospital,  by  private 
presentation,  provided  the  Incorporation  continue  her 
as  a  pensioner,  or  give  the  money  to  her  daughter. 
The  Incorporation,  considering  that  this  would  be  no 
prejudice  to  them,  on  the  contrary  was  providing  for  a 
family  which  their  small  bounty  was  not  sufficient  for, 
agreed  that  the  .quarter  pension  should  continue  to  be 
paid  to  her  or  her  daughter,  if  she  should  desire  it." 

These  minutes  from  the  Hammermen's  Records  give 
faithfully  the  position  John  Brown  took  in  the  conduct 
of  the  affairs  of  his  society,  and  it  is  interesting  to  note 
that  his  services  were  appreciated  by  his  fellow  brethren, 
as  is  revealed  in  the  last  two  minutes,  which  bring  out 
clearly  their  anxiety  to  do  what  was  in  their  power  for 
his  wife  and  family.  That  he  was  a  well-known  citizen 
in  Edinburgh  is  easily  seen  in  the  following  selection 
of  advertisements  issued  during  his  lifetime,  which 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  63 

incidentally  bring  out  where  his  business  premises  were 
situated : — 

"That  upon  the  5th  there  was  lost  by  the  way 
leading  from  Coupar  to  Piddoch-hall  a  silver  watch  of 
L.  Esturgeon's  make.  Any  person  that  has  found  or 
can  give  notice  thereof  may  acquaint  John  Annan,  writer 
in  Coupar,  or  John  Brown,  watchmaker  in  Edinburgh, 
and  the  first  discoverer  shall  have  from  the  loser 
a  sufficient  reward  and  his  good  wishes." — Caledonian 
Mercury,  i6th  March  1730. 

"  Lost  on  the  7th  a  silver  watch  made  by  Thomas 
Best,  London,  engraved  upon  the  dial  plate,  but  no 
engraving  on  the  inner  plate,  and  the  hook  out  of  the 
barrel  of  the  main  spring.  Whoever  will  return  the 
watch  to  John  Brown,  watchmaker  in  Edinburgh,  shall 
have  half  a  guinea  reward." — Ibid.,  gth  January  1735. 

"  Whereas  there  was  lost  upon  the  8th  March  last, 
about  a  mile  from  Montrose,  a  silver  watch  of  a  middle 
size,  maker's  name  is  Ingram,  upon  the  dial  plate  No. 
2589,  with  a  black  leather  string,  and  at  it  a  steel  seal 
with  three  impressions,  a  little  bruised  in  the  case 
without.  This  is  to  give  notice  to  all  watchmakers  or 
others  into  whose  custody  the  watch  with  any  of  the 
above  marks  may  come  to  hand,  or  to  any  who  can 
inform  in  whose  custody  the  said  watch  can  be  found, 
so  as  to  be  returned  to  the  owner,  let  them  call  for  John 
Brown,  watchmaker,  at  his  shop  a  little  above  the  main 
guard,  north  side  of  the  street,  Edinburgh,  or  for  Daniel 
Stewart  Vinter  at  his  house  in  Montrose,  where  they 
shall  have  a  sufficient  reward." — Ibid.,  i6th  May  1743. 

"Lost  on  the  I2th  December,  betwixt  Edinburgh 
and  Cockpen,  a  silver  watch  with  hour  and  minute 
hands,  maker's  name,  J.  Thomas,  No.  1418.  Whoever 
can  give  notice  of  the  said  watch  to  John  Brown,  watch- 
maker in  Edinburgh,  shall  be  sufficiently  rewarded." — 
Ibid.,  1 7th  December  1744. 

BROWN,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1758-72. 

2Oth  July  1758. — "John  Brown,  son  of  John  Brown, 
clock  and  watch  maker,  booked  apprentice  to  James 
Cowan." 

lot 'k  July  1771. — "John  Brown,  son  of  the  deceast 
John  Brown,  watchmaker,  presented  a  bill  craving  to 
be  admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker." 


64  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

2nd  May  1772. — "  Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  watch  movement  begun,  made,  and 
finished  in  Samuel  Brown's  (his  brother)  shop  in  presence 
of  Samuel  Brown,  landlord,  John  Gibson,  John 
Murdoch,  and  William  Auld,  essay  masters,  as  they 
declared."— £.  ff.  Records. 

The  above  makes  the  third  John  Brown  all  of  the 
same  family  who  were  watch  and  clockmakers  in  Edin- 
burgh, but  this  last  does  not  appear  to  have  been  in 
business  for  himself.  The  probability  is  that  he  was 
employed  as  a  workman  by  his  brother,  Samuel  Brown 
(q.v.),  who  succeeded  to  the  father's  business  in  1750. 

BROWN,  JOHN.     Back  of  City  Guard,  Edinburgh,  1763-76. 

i^th  June  1763. — "Son  of  James  Brown,  journeyman 
mason  in  Edinburgh,  and  one  of  the  boys  educated 
in  George  Heriot's  Hospital,  booked  apprentice  to 
James  Duff." 

^th  August  1769. — "Discharged  of  his  indentures 
on  this  date  by  James  Duff." — E.  H.  Records. 

BROWN,  JOHN.     Port  Glasgow,  1785. 

BROWN,  JOHN.     Irvine,  1829. 

"  James  Brown,  sailor  in  Irvine,  served  Heir  in 
General  to  his  father,  John  Brown,  Clock  and  Watch 
Maker  there,  dated  26th  October  1829.  Recorded 
1st  December  1829." — Services  of  Heirs. 

BROWN,  JOHN.     Elgin,  1743. 
BROWN,  JOHN.     St  Andrews,  1783. 
BROWN,  JOHN.     Bishop  Mill,  Elgin,  1837. 

BROWN,  JOSEPH.     Kirkcaldy,  1769. 

"  To  be  sold  by  Joseph  Brown  in  Kirkcaldie,  four 
spring  table  clocks,  two  of  which  play  four  different 
tunes  each.  They  are  executed  in  the  best  manner  and 
go  eight  days.  They  will  be  sold  at  reasonable  rates." — 
Edinburgh  Advertiser,  27th  May  1769. 

BROWN,  MALCOLM.     Edinburgh,  1778. 

Discharged  of  his  indentures  by  Laurence  Dalgleish, 
2 1st  March  1778. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  65 

BROWN,  MURDOCH.     Edinburgh,  1772. 

Admitted  a  member  of  Lodge  St  David,  Edinburgh, 
1 2th  November  1772.  Minutes  state  admitted  gratis, 
being  an  Artist  and  Musician. 

BROWN,  PETER.     Ayr;  died  1847. 

BROWN,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1702. 

Booked  journeyman  to  Andrew  Brown,  clockmaker, 
7th  February  1702.  Married  Margaret  Cleghorne  in  the 
parish  of  North  Leith,  5th  September  1704. 

BROWN,  SAMUEL.    Edinburgh,  1750-87. 

"  John  Brown  (q.v.),  watchmaker  in  Edinburgh,  being 
lately  deceast,  the  business  is  carried  on  as  formerly  by 
Samuel  Brown,  his  eldest  son,  for  behoof  of  his  mother- 
in-law  and  four  infant  children,  at  their  house,  a  little 
above  the  Guard,  north  side  of  the  street,  Edinburgh. 

"  Such  persons  as  are  indebted  to  the  deceast  are 
intreated  to  pay  their  debts  to  the  widow  who  is  fully 
empowered  to  receive  the  same.  Commissions  from  the 
country  shall  be  done  with  great  care  and  accuracy."  — 
Caledonian  Mercury,  8th  January  1750. 

"Just  published,  and  to  be  delivered  to  the  subscribers 
by  Samuel  Brown,  watchmaker,  opposite  to  the  Guard, 
Edinburgh,  a  popular  treatise  on  Astronomy  by  James 
Ferguson  (q.v.)." — Ibid.,  25th  September  1756. 

6th  August  1757. — "  Samuel  Brown,  son  to  the 
deceast  John  Brown,  clock  and  watch  maker,  compeared 
and  presented  a  bill  to  be  admitted  a  freeman  clock 
and  watch  maker  of  the  Incorporation,  which  was  received, 
and  an  essay  and  essay  masters  were  appointed.  The 
essay  to  be  presented  between  and  the  fourth  of  January 
next  to  come.  And  this  indulgence  of  so  long  a  delay 
was  granted  to  him  in  regard  that  the  members  of  the 
watchmaker's  art  declared  that  the  essay  could  not 
be  well  made  in  shorter  time.  But  declaring  that  this 
indulgence  should  be  no  precedent  in  time  coming  to 
the  members  of  the  other  arts,  whose  essay  could  be 
finished  in  a  shorter  time.  He  made  payment  to  the 
treasurer  of  £3,  I2s.  2jd.,  as  the  half  of  his  upset  money 
and  is  to  pay  the  other  half  at  his  admission. 

^th  February  1758. — "Compeared  and  presented  his 


66  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

essay,  being  a  watch  movement  made  and  finished  in 
his  own  shop,  as  William  Nicol,  landlord,  Deacon 
Dalgleish,  William  Auld,  and  James  Cowan,  essay 
masters  declared,  which  essay  was  found  to  be  a  well 
wrought  essay,  etc.,  and  he  was  therefore  admitted  a 
freeman  clock  and  watch  maker  in  the  Incorporation. 
He  made  payment  to  the  treasurer  of  three  pounds 
twelve  shillings  and  two  pence,  and  two  thirds  of  a  penny 
as  the  last  half  of  his  upset  dues." — E.  H.  Records. 

He  entered  into  partnership  with  George  Skelton 
(q.v.)  in  1784,  which  partnership  was  continued  till  his 
death  in  1787. 

"  Agnes  Cunningham  or  Milne,  served  Co-Heir  of 
Provision  General  to  her  Grandfather,  Samuel  Brown, 
watchmaker  there,  dated  9th  March  1835.  Recorded 
1 8th  March  1835." — Services  of  Heirs. 

"  James  Thomas  Alexander,  Surgeon,  Edinburgh, 
served  Co-Heir  of  Provision  General  to  his  Great 
Grandfather,  Samuel  Brown,  watchmaker  there,  dated 
9th  March  1835.  Recorded  25th  March  1835." — 
Services  of  Heirs, 

Admitted  a  member  of  Lodge  St  David,  Edinburgh, 
6th  July  1753.  Gavin  Wilson,  the  poet  of  the  Lodge, 
in  his  "  New  Song  of  St  David's,"  refers  to  him  as 
follows  : — 

"  There  social  brother  Brown  does  sing 

Igo  and  ago, 

A  song  that  makes  our  glasses  ring 
I  ram  coram  dago." 

BROWN,  THOMAS.  Auchtermuchty,  1825  (?). 
BROWN,  THOMAS.  Berwick-on-Tweed,  1849. 
BROWN,  WILLIAM.  Dumfries  ;  died  I4th  November  1795. 

BROWN,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1733. 

"  Son  to  William  Brown,  stabler,  burgess  of  Edin- 
burgh, booked  apprentice  to  John  Brown,  Clockmaker, 
1 5th  September  1733." — E.  H.  Records. 

BROWN, .     Elgin,  subsequent  to  1820. 

BROWN  &  CHALMERS.     Leith,  1842. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  67 

BROWN  &  SKELTON.     Edinburgh,  1784-87. 

11  Lost  upon  the  Red  Brae  near  Channelkirk,  some 
weeks  ago,  a  Pinchbeck  watch  with  a  green  shagreen 
case,  maker's  name,  John  Stellas,  London,  No.  188. 
Whoever  has  found  the  same  will  please  restore  it  to 
Brown  and  Skelton,  opposite  the  Guard,  Edinburgh, 
who  will  give  a  handsome  reward."  —  Caledonian 
Mercury^  2nd  November  1785. 

BROWNLEE,  ALEXANDER.     Edinburgh,  1740. 

Son  to  James  Brownlee,  merchant  in  Edinburgh ; 
booked  apprentice  to  Archibald  Straiten,  watchmaker. 
3rd  May  1740. 

BROWNLEE,  WILLIAM.     Hamilton,  1800. 

BROWNLIE,  ALEXANDER.     Edinburgh,  1710-39. 

yh  April  1710. — "Booked  apprentice  to  Robert 
Alexander." 

2gth  March  1718. — "On  which  day  he  compeared 
and  presented  his  essay,  viz.,  the  movements  of  a 
watch,  which  was  found  a  weill  wrought  essay,  etc.  His 
essay  masters  were  Alexander  Hay  and  Patrick  Gordon. 
The  essay  was  made  in  William  Sutor's  shop." 

"  Alexander  Brownlie,  watchmaker,  married  to 
Margaret  Graham,  daughter  of  the  late  W.  Graham, 
merchant,  17  Deer.  1719." — Edinburgh  Marriage  Register. 

2nd  December  1721. — "The  house  being  met,  the 
Deacon  represented  to  the  house  that  yesterday,  in  the 
forenoon,  Alexander  Brownlie,  clockmaker,  had  made  a 
seizure  of  a  part  of  the  dial  work  of  ye  town  clock  (this 
was  a  new  clock  that  was  being  erected  in  St  Giles 
Church,  the  manufacture  of  L.  Bradly,  London),  as 
being  wrought  by  an  unfreeman,  and  that  this  day  the 
Magistrates  had  summarily  fined  and  imprisoned  the 
said  Alexander  Brownlie  for  the  seizure,  and  therefore 
the  opinions  and  sentiments  of  ye  incorporation  is 
demanded,  and  what  resolutions  they  will  take.  The 
I  house  are  unanimously  of  opinion  that  the  procedure  of 

the  Magistrates  against  the  said  Alex.  Brownlie  is  not 
only  illegal  against  the  said  Alex.  Brownlie,  but  likewise 
tends  to  ye  breach  and  overthrowing  the  privileges  of 


68  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

this  Incorporation,  confirmed  to  them  by  advice  of  the 
Town  Council,  the  said  Alex.  Brownlie  having  done 
nothing  but  what  is  consistent  and  to  the  support  of  ye 
Incorporation's  privileges. 

"  Therefore  the  house  unanimously  resolve,  for  ye 
preservation  of  their  privileges,  to  enter  a  process 
against  the  Magistrates  for  yair  illegal  procedure 
against  the  said  Alex.  Brownlie,  and  for  that  effect 
appoint  the  Deacon  and  Boxmaster,  Deacon  Herring, 
Deacon  Boswall,  Edward  Bunkle,  Alexander  Brown, 
and  Thomas  Gordon  to  meet  with  Mr  Boswall  of  Affleck, 
advocate,  and  consult  him  anent  the  method  of  procedure 
in  the  law  process,  and  likewise  are  of  opinion  that  ye 
concurrence  of  the  fourteen  Deacons  be  demanded,  and 
in  order  yairto  appoint  their  clerk  to  draw  up  a  petition 
to  them  for  that  purpose.  It  is  put  to  the  vote  whether 
the  incorporation  will  approve  of  this  act,  which, 
without  a  contrair  vote,  is  approved  of/' — E.  H.  Records. 

Admitted  a  member  of  the  Lodge  of  Mary's  Chapel, 
No.  I,  28th  January  1727. 

BROWNLIE,  ARCHIBALD.     Strathaven,  1844. 

11  Mary  Brownlie,  Coldstream,  served  Heir  Special  to 
her  father,  Archibald  Brownlie,  clockmaker,  Strathaven, 
who  died  i6th  April  1844,  in  half  of  house  and  ground 
at  Strathaven,  Lanarkshire,  dated  22nd  July  1859. 
Recorded  26th  July  1859." — Services  of  Heirs. 

BROWNLIE,  JAMES.     22  Stobcross  Street,  Glasgow,  1836. 
BRUCE,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1718. 

"  Son  to  Mr  Alexander  Bruce,  advocate,  is  booked 

apprentice    to    Alexander    Brownlee,    8th     November 

1718."— E.  H.  Records. 
BRUCE,  DAVID.     Aberdeen,  1538,  page  2. 
BRUCE,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1797. 

"  Robert  Bruce,  clock  and  watch  maker,  married  Mary 
Gowans,  12  Deer.  1797." — Edinburgh  Marriage  Register. 

BRUCE,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1757. 

BRUCE,  WILLIAM.     Portsburgh,  Edinburgh,  1743. 

BRUNTON,  PATRICK.     Dalkeith,  1788. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  69 

BRUNTON,  WALTER.     Edinburgh,  1771-1808. 
BRYDEN,  THOMAS.    Johnshaven,  1837. 
BRYSON,  CHARLES.     31  Trongate,  Glasgow,  1837. 
BRYSON,  JOHN.     High  Street,  Dalkeith,  1836-82. 
BRYSON,  ROBERT,  &  SONS.     See  page  70. 

BRYSON,  ROBERT,  F.R.S.E.    66  Princes  Street,  Edinburgh, 
1810-52. 

"Commenced  business  first  at  the  Mint,  High  Street, 
Edinburgh,  1810;  did  not  become  a  member  of  the 
Hammermen's  Incorporation  till  1815,  when  the  entry 
money  and  other  dues  amounted  to  £70,  which  he 
paid.  That  same  year  he  issued  the  following 
advertisement : — 

"Robert  Bryson,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker, 
announces  to  his  friends  and  the  public  that  he  has 
removed  from  the  Mint  to  that  commodious  house, 
No.  5  South  Bridge  Street,  opposite  to  Hunter's  Square, 
where  he  will  be  happy  to  see  those  friends  who  so 
liberally  patronised  him  at  the  Mint." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  6th  June  1815. 

This  South  Bridge  place  of  business  he  tenanted  till 
1840,  and  while  there  he  became  closely  allied  with 
Mr  Horner  in  the  foundation  of  the  Watt  College,  now 
known  as  the  Heriot-Watt  College,  an  institution  which 
to-day  occupies  a  foremost  place  in  technical  education. 
That  this  College  was  a  matter  congenial  to  his  tastes, 
is  easily  seen  in  the  trouble  he  took  to  ensure  its 
success.  Early  advertisements  show  that  he  made  his 
place  of  business  an  office  for  enrolling  students,  and 
from  his  self-sacrificing  labours  undoubtedly  contributed 
largely  to  put  the  institution  in  a  satisfactory  condition. 

Removing  to  66  Princes  Street  in  1840,  he  continued 
to  turn  out  work  of  the  highest  class.  A  number  of  his 
clocks  and  watches  are  in  existence  yet,  particularly  a 
splendid  sidereal  clock  which  he  made  in  1832  for  the 
Royal  Observatory,  Edinburgh.1  This  clock  was  used 
by  the  late  Professor  Henderson  for  all  his  observations 

1  For  these  particulars  I  am  indebted  to  the  late  Professor  Copland, 
Royal  Observatory,  Blackford  Hill. 


70  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

on  Calton  Hill,  arid  afterwards  by  the  late  C.  Piazzi 
Smyth  for  the  same  purpose  up  to  1855,  being  only 
superseded  by  the  gift  of  a  new  sidereal  clock  made  by 
Dent  of  London.  This  clock  by  Bryson  became  the 
property  of  the  city  of  Edinburgh  in  1895  and  is  still 
in  use. 

He  became  a  member  of  the  Royal  Society  of  Arts, 
Edinburgh,  and  his  first  printed  communication  in  the 
Transactions  of  that  body,  as  far  as  we  can  glean,  was 
read  on  the  I2th  December  1842.  It  was  a  description, 
with  a  drawing  of  the  apparatus  invented  by  him,  for 
turning  on  and  shutting  off  the  gas  which  illuminated 
his  translucent  dial.  The  Society's  Honorary  Silver 
Medal  was  awarded  him  for  this  paper.1 

He  died  on  8th  August  1852,  aged  74  years,  and  was 
interred  in  the  New  Calton  Burying  Ground,  Edinburgh, 
where  it  is  recorded  on  a  large  and  handsome  monument 
that  he  was  for  a  period  of  nearly  fifty  years  watch- 
maker in  Edinburgh.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  two 
sons,  Alexander  and  Robert,  the  firm  being  known  as 
Robert  Bryson  &  Sons. 

We  have  not  succeeded  in  getting  the  exact  year 
when  the  copartnery  was  entered  into,  but  doubtless 
long  before  the  senior  partner's  death  in  1852  these  two 
talented  men  were  closely  associated  with  their  father. 

BRYSON,  ALEXANDER,  F.R.S.E.,2  the  elder  son  of  the 
above,  occupied  an  unique  position,  being  not  only 
a  skilled  horologist  but  also  possessed  of  considerable 
scientific  attainments.  Becoming  a  member  of  the  Royal 
Society  of  Arts,  his  entry  into  that  body  was  of  material 
benefit  to  the  usefulness  and  conduct  of  its  transactions. 
Occupying  the  highest  posts  they  could  appoint  him  to, 
he  favoured  his  brother  associates  and  the  public  with 

1  His  next  was  a  description  of  a  self-registering  barometer  invented 
by  himself  in    1844,  followed    by  another  in    1845,    "On  a  Method  of 
rendering   Baily's   Compensation  Pendulum  insensible  to  Hygrometric 
Influences,"  for  which    he   was    awarded    the  Society  Silver    Medal  or 
Plate  to  the  value  often  sovereigns. 

2  Admitted  a  member  of  Lodge  St    Uavid,  Edinburgh,   28th    May 
1839- 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  71 

papers  and  notes  of  inventions  of  the  greatest  usefulness 
and  originality. 

A  brief  summary  of  these  are  now  given,  which, 
however,  do  not  exhaust  his  activity  in  scientific 
research,  but  they  are  enough  to  show  the  wide  range 
of  his  attainments.  All  of  them  were  read  or  described 
by  himself  at  the  various  meetings  of  the  Royal  Society 
of  Arts;  date  of  delivery  of  each  are  appended  : — 

%th  May  1843. — "At  the  request  of  the  Council  an 
Exposition  of  the  Mechanism  of  Clocks  and  Watches, 
including  the  various  Escapements,  Pendulums,  and 
Balances,  was  given  by  Mr  Alexander  Bryson,  F.R.S.S.A., 
M.G.S.E.,  Chronometer  Watch  and  Clock  Maker,  Edin- 
burgh." 

\2th  May  1845. — "Additional  notice  of  Mr  R. 
Bryson's  self  -  registering  Barometer  with  remarks 
showing  that  no  corrections  for  Temperature  will  be 
necessary  in  this  instrument.  The  instrument  was 
exhibited. 

"  Mr  Bryson  also  exhibited  an  accurate  method  of 
determining  the  expansion  of  Mercury  from  increased 
temperature  in  the  standard  barometer,  and  demon- 
strated that  the  syphon  barometer,  used  as  a  self- 
registering  instrument  (as  formerly  described  to  the 
Society)  and  observed  by  the  shorter  limb  of  the 
syphon,  requires  only  a  correction  of  0-006  inches  for 
60  degrees  Fahrenheit. 

"  Mr  Bryson  also  described  the  results  obtained  from 
his  hourly  barometric  register  kept  during  two  years, 
and  remarked  the  extreme  similarity  existing  between 
these  and  the  observations  of  Professor  Forbes  during 
three  years  at  Colinton." 

9//z  February  1846. — "Description  of  a  new  Clock 
impelled  by  a  combination  of  Gravitation  and  Electro 
Magnetism,  invented  by  Mr  Alexander  Bryson, 
Councillor,  R.S.S.A.,  M.G.S.E. 

"  In  this  clock  the  common  pendulum  is  used.  It  is 
kept  vibrating  in  equal  arcs,  by  a  small  falling  bar  or 
detent,  which  is  raised  every  alternate  second  by  the 
attraction  induced  in  a  soft  electro  magnet.  The 
magnetism  is  excited  by  constant  batteries  placed  in 
the  bottom  of  the  clock  case,  which  may  be  kept  in 
action  for  any  desirable  period,  and  when  changed  it  is 


72  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

not  necessary  to  stop  the  clock,  as  before  the  spent 
battery  is  out  of  action  the  other,  which  is  newly 
charged,  is  in  full  operation.  The  wheelwork  showing 
minutes  and  seconds  is  moved  by  the  gravitation  bar  or 
detent  immediately  on  its  being  attracted  by  the  electro- 
magnet. When  this  clock  is  made  to  show  minutes 
and  seconds  only,  as  in  observatory  clocks,  it  consists  of 
two  wheels  only,  and  when  it  is  made  to  show  hours 
three  wheels  are  necessary.  The  contract-breaker  is 
suspended  on  knife  edges  immediately  above  the 
pendulum  bob,  having  a  gold  concentric  arc,  on  which 
press  two  very  slight  gold  springs.  In  this  arc  is 
inserted  a  piece  of  ivory  which  breaks  the  current  and 
permits  the  falling  bar  or  detent  to  fall  on  the  pendulum, 
so  as  to  keep  up  its  vibration. 

"By  the  method  of  coincidences  it  was  stated  the 
pendulum  was  found  to  keep  its  motion  with  the  utmost 
steadiness  as  compared  with  a  compensation  mercurial 
pendulum  beating  seconds." 

271/1  April  1846.— "A  letter  from  Mr  Alex.  Bryson 
was  read,  withdrawing  his  communication  as  above,  in 
respect  he  now  finds  that  he  has  been  anticipated  in  this 
invention  by  Mr  Alexander  Bain,  of  South  Hanover 
Street,  Edinburgh."1 

13^  December  1847. — "  Specimens  were  exhibited  and 
described  of  the  teeth  of  Wheels  of  Steeple  Clocks  cut 
and  finished  on  the  Engine." 

loth  April  1848.  —  "'On  a  New  Lubricant  for 
Machinery.'  This  paper  described  a  new  compound 
possessing  properties  which  seem  to  render  it  a  better 
lubricant  than  those  in  use  for  large  machinery.  It  is  a 
compound  of  oil,  sulphur,  and  vulcanized  caoutchouc." 

Wi  January  1849. — "The  Aneroid  Barometer  was 
exhibited  and  described." 

26th  January  1852. — "By  permission  of  the  Society 
a  letter  from  Mr  Alex.  Bryson,  F.R.S.S.A.,  was  read, 
containing  his  suggestions  as  to  the  origin  of  the  Fire 
which  caused  the  loss  of  the  steam-ship  Amazon'' 

12th  April  1852.— "The  patent  striking  Electro- 
Magnetic  Clock,  invented  by  Mr  Charles  Shepherd,  of 
London,  was  described  by  Dr  George  Wilson,  F.R.S. 

1  Mr  Bryson  read  the  description  of  Mr  Bain's  clock  (see  page  32) 
on  i4th  April  1845. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  73 

The  clock  was  put  in  working  order  and  taken  charge  of 
at  the  meeting  by  Alex.  Bryson,  Esq." 

22nd January  1855. — "  The  Society's  Silver  Medal  was 
awarded  to  him  for  his  notice  of  a  simple  Compressible 
Syphon  of  his  own  invention." 

\2th  November  1855. — "  At  the  special  request  of  the 
Council,  '  An  Exposition  of  the  Mechanical  Inventions 
of  Dr  Robert  Hooke.' " 

loth  December  1855. — "'On  an  Improved  Method  of 
preparing  Siliceous  and  other  Fossils  for  Microscopic 
Investigation,'  and  also  a  description  of  a  new  Pneumatic 
Chuck.3' 

nth  April  1859. — "'On  the  Injurious  Effects  of 
Cedar-wood  Cabinets,'  by  Alexander  Bryson,  F.R.S.S.A., 
Her  Majesty's  Clockmaker  for  Scotland.  Specimens 
exhibited." 

2$th  April  1859. — "  '  On  a  New  Method  of  Measuring 
Watch  Glasses.'  Awarded  the  Society's  Silver  Medal." 

26th  March  1860. — "'On  a  New  Lime  Light  and 
Lamp/  exhibited  in  action." 

2^th  April  1862. — "Communication  on  the  recent 
frequent  accidents  from  hydrocarbon  liquids." 

2^th  April  1864. — "On  the  means  of  determining 
the  presence  and  position  of  Icebergs  during  fogs  or 
darkness  at  sea." 

This  last  paper  was  awarded  the  Hepburn  Biennal 
prize,  value  twelve  sovereigns,  and  crowned,  so  to  speak, 
a  career  which,  as  our  readers  may  see,  was  full  of 
activity  and  study.  The  list  given  of  his  works  is 
necessarily  imperfect,  for  his  abilities  were  so  varied 
that  his  advice  and  counsel  were  sought  by  the  most 
eminent  scientific  men  of  his  day,  and  his  early  death  at 
Hawkhill,  near  Edinburgh,  on  the  7th  December  1866, 
aged  50  years,  created  a  blank  not  only  in  the  Society 
of  which  he  was  so  illustrious  a  member  but  throughout 
all  Scotland.  His  death  left  his  brother,  Robert,  the 
only  partner  of  the  large  and  prosperous  business  which 
had  been  so  successfully  carried  on.  Extensive  as  the 
business  was  he  yet  found  time  to  be  of  use  to  his  fellow 
citizens.  His  advice  was  highly  valued  in  the  manage- 
ment of  a  number  of  Public  Institutions,  and  becoming 
a  member  of  the  Merchant  Company  he  was  made 


74  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

Master,  and,  while  filling  this  honourable  position,  had 
a  good  share  in  the  foundation  of  the  successful 
educational  institutions  which  under  the  name  of  the 
Merchant  Company  Schools  have  helped  to  make 
Edinburgh  famous  for  its  educational  advantages.  He 
died  in  1886,  the  business  passing  into  the  hands  of 
Messrs  Hamilton  &  Inches,  88  Princes  Street,  who  still 
retain  the  royal  appointment. 

BUCHAN,  ALEXANDER.     41  George  Street,  Perth,  1833.  " 
Possibly  a  son  of  the  immediately  succeeding,  whom 
he  succeeded  on  8th  January   1833,  being  then  located 
at  Bridgend. 

BUCHAN,  ARCHIBALD.     Kinnoull,  Perth,  1800-32. 

BUCHANAN,  ANDREW.     8  William  Street,  Greenock,  1836. 

BUCHANAN,  ROBERT, jun.  3/Dundas  Street, Glasgow,  1835. 

BUGLAS,  C.     Berwick-on-Tweed,  1787. 

"Watch  supposed  to  be  stolen,  and  found  in  the 
custody  of  William  Tennent,  apprehended  in  North 
Berwick,  on  the  22nd  July  last,  when  he  broke  prison. 
A  large  silver  watch,  seemingly  new,  maker's  name, 
George  Creak,  London,  No.  1358;  on  the  dial  plate  is 
engraved  '  C.  Westwood,'  and  within  the  case  there  is  a 
watchmaker's  label, '  C.  Buglas,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker, 
Berwick."'—  Edinburgh  Advertiser,  3Oth  October  1787. 

BURBIDGE,  -    — .     Edinburgh,  1673. 
BURGES,  JOHN.     Stirling,  1806. 
BURN,  DAVID.     Bathgate,  1798. 
BURNET,  JOHN.     Tarves,  1810-46. 
BURNS,  DAVID.     Mid-Calder,  1797. 
BURNS,  ROBERT.     Melrose,  1832. 

"James  Burns,  Clockmaker,  London,  served  Heir  in 
General  to  his  father,  Robert  Burns,  Clockmaker, 
Melrose,  dated  3Oth  May  1832.  Recorded  4th  June 
1832." — Services  of  Heirs. 

BURTON,  WILLIAM.     Dunse,  1824. 

BUTLER,  ROBERT.     48  Hamilton  Street,  Greenock,  1836. 

CAITHNESS,  DAVID.     Dundee,  1787. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  75 

CALDER,  JOHN.     High  Street,  Glasgow,  1775-1816. 

CALDER,  JOHN,  jun.     1 10  High  Street,  Glasgow,  1814-28. 

CALDER,    JOHN.      326    Lawnmarket,    Edinburgh,    1819; 
85   West  Fort,   1825. 

$ist  July  1820. — "He  appeared  and  presented  a 
petition  craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman  clock  and 
watch  maker  in  the  Incorporation,  which  being  received, 
an  essay  was  appointed,  viz.,  a  clock  movement  to  be 
begun  and  finished  in  his  own  shop,  James  Ramage, 
landlord,  James  Gray,  Richard  Millar,  and  James 
Ritchie,  essay  masters,  and  to  be  finished  this  day  six 
months.  He  paid  the  treasurer  ten  pounds,  being  the 
first  half  of  his  entry  money.  Admitted  as  above  on 
5th  February  1821. — E.  H.  Records. 

CALDWELL,  JOHN.    Glasgow,  1812. 

CALD  WELL,  WILLIAM.     5  Malta  Street,  Glasgow,  1820-37. 

CALLAM,  CHARLES.     Nicolson  Street,  Edinburgh,  1804. 

CALLAN,  ARCHIBALD.     Douglas,  1834. 

"  Marion  Callan  or  Haddow,  in  Douglas,  served 
Heir  of  Provision  General  to  her  father,  Archibald 
Callan,  watchmaker  there,  dated  6th  June  1834. 
Recorded  I7th  June  1834." — Services  of  Heirs. 

CALLENDER,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1731. 

Booked  apprentice  to  George  Scott,  Canongate,  1731. 

From  a  note  kindly  forwarded  by  A.  M.  Mackay, 
Esq.,  Past  Master  of  Lodge  of  St  David's,  Edinburgh, 
No.  36,  there  is  every  probability  that  this  James 
Callender  was  one  of  the  founders  of  the  Lodge  on 
2nd  March  1738.  He  is  recorded  as  being  in  very  poor 
circumstances  in  the  years  1753-54  and  1756,  when  he 
received  pecuniary  assistance  from  the  Lodge.  In  1758 
he  published  a  collection  of  Masonic  Songs.  He  died 
in  1762  and  was  buried  at  Leith  at  the  expense  of  the 
Lodge. 
CAMERON,  ALEXANDER.  Selkirk,  1816. 

CAMERON,  ALEXANDER.     High  Street,  Dundee,  1823-37. 

"  A.    C.    begs    to    announce    that    he    has    fixed    a 

Sidereal    Clock,    and    procured    a    Transit   instrument 


76  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

divided  into  N.P.D.  from  a  workman  recommended  by 
the  Astronomer  Royal  at  Greenwich  Observatory,  for 
rating  chronometers  and  watches. 

No  chronometer  or  watch  will  receive  a  certified 
rate  unless  the  maker's  name  and  box  number  are 
engraved  upon  it.  Those  watches  that  are  left  blank 
or  without  the  maker's  name  are  generally  got  up  as 
traffic  upon  sale  or  return  but  cannot  be  exported. 

A.  C.  purposes  being  in  the  English  market  in  a 
few  weeks,  and  solicits  orders  for  himself  or  his  English 
connection,  which  may  be  executed  direct  from  the 
different  manufacturers.  His  friends  in  the  south  and 
north  of  Scotland  will  be  waited  upon  at  the  usual  times 
with  a  new  set  of  patterns." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  6th  January  1828. 

CAMERON,  HUGH.     Johnshaven,  1780-90. 

CAMERON,  JAMES.     Rigg  Street,  Stewarton,  1837. 

CAMERON,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1776-77. 

"Bound  apprentice  to  John  Cleland,  nth  May  1776. 
Bound  apprentice  to  Samuel  Brown  on  ipth  March 
1777.  He  paid  nothing  for  booking  on  account  of 
having  paid  as  an  apprentice,  but  is  still  to  pay  in  case 
the  incorporation  shall  appoint  him  to  do  so. — E.  H. 
Records. 

CAMERON,  JAMES.     Selkirk,  1832. 

CAMERON,  JAMES.     85  Murraygate,  Dundee,  1828-50. 

CAMERON,  JOHN.     Perth,  1795. 

Apprenticed  to  James  Young. 

CAMERON,  JOHN.     Victoria  Place,  Kilmarnock,  1850. 
CAMERON,  JOHN.     Barrhead,  1836. 
CAMERON,  JOHN.     Aberfeldie,  1836. 
CAMPBELL,  ARCHIBALD.     Gourock,  1805. 

"  Died  at  Gourock  on  Wednesday  evening,  Archibald 
Campbell,  Watchmaker,  aged  107  years." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  3rd  June  1805. 

CAMPBELL,  CHARLES.     Borrowstounness  (Bo'ness),  1770- 
1812. 

"Died  at  Borrowstounness  on   the  25th  November, 
75  years,  Mr  Charles  Campbell,  many  years  clock 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  77 

and  watch  maker  there." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant, 
27th  November  1812. 

CAMPBELL,  HUGH.     Edinburgh,  1692. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Humphrey  Mylne,  6th  August 
1692. 

CAMPBELL,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1803-10. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Robert  Green,  I7th  June  1803. 
Discharged  of  his  indentures,  3rd  February  1810. 

CAMPBELL,  JAMES.     51  High  Street,  Johnstone,  1836. 

CAMPBELL,  JOHN.  18  North  Bridge,  Edinburgh,  1799- 
1819. 

"  Bound  apprentice  to  Robert  Hinmers,  4th  May 
1799.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  3rd  May  1806. 

^th  November  1809. — "  Compeared  and  produced  his 
essay,  being  a  watch  movement  begun,  made,  and 
finished  in  his  own  shop  in  presence  of  James  Howden, 
landlord,  Robert  Hinmers,  Robert  Logie,  and  William 
Thomson,  as  they  declared." — E.  H.  Records. 

"John  Campbell,  watchmaker  and  jeweller,  respect- 
fully announces  to  the  Public  that  he  has  opened  the  shop 
lately  possessed  by  Mr  Dalgleish  (q.v.),  with  an  entire 
new  stock  of  the  very  best  quality  and  most  exquisite 
workmanship,  and  by  unremitting  attention  to  business 
and  earnest  endeavours  to  please,  hopes  to  merit  a  share 
of  public  favours.  J.  C.  has  been  regularly  bred  in  the 
profession  and  personally  acquainted  with  the  first 
manufactures  in  England,  where  he  has  selected  his 
present  assortment,  which  he  may  confidently  say  is 
not  surpassed  in  beauty  and  quality  to  any  in  town. 
1 8  North  Bridge." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant^  3Oth 
July  1808. 

"  Watch  stolen  from  a  house  back  of  Fountain  Well. 
A  silver  watch,  maker's  name,  P.  Hopkins,  No.  12512. 
If  offered  for  sale  please  inform  Mr  Campbell,  watch- 
maker, North  Bridge."—  Ibid.,  26th  May  1810. 

"GOLD  WATCH  STOLEN. — On  the  evening  of 
Thursday  last  from  a  house  in  Rose  Street,  a  gold 
watch,  maker's  name,  John  Pinkerton,  Haddington, 
No.  6395.  It  is  requested  that  any  person  to  whom 
the  same  may  be  offered  for  sale  will  secure  it,  and  give 


78  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

intimation  to  Mr  Campbell,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker, 
North  Bridge,  by  whom  he  will  be  handsomely 
rewarded." — Edinburgh  Evening  C our  ant,  1 6th  January 
1813. 

CAMPBELL,  JOHN.     95  Hutcheson  Street,  Glasgow,  1823. 

CAMPBELL,  MARSHALL.     Colmonell,  Ayrshire,  1850. 

CAMPBELL,  ROBERT.     Canal  Street,  Edinburgh,  1/78-94. 

CAMPBELL,  WILLIAM.     Stirling,  1745. 

Booked  journeyman  to  Robert  Melvill  Stirling, 
1 3th  June  1745. 

CANT,  JAMES.     Perth,  1824. 

CARMICHAEL,  JAMES.     42    Hanover  Street,  Edinburgh, 
1796. 

"James  Carmichael,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker, 
respectfully  informs  his  friends  and  the  public  that  he 
has  opened  that  shop,  No.  42  South  Hanover  Street, 
New  Edinburgh,  where  he  intends  to  carry  on  the 
business  in  all  its  various  branches.  He  trusts  he  shall 
merit  the  patronage  of  the  Public  by  carefully  and 
punctually  executing  their  orders."  —  Scots  Chronicle, 
3rd  June  1796. 

CARMICHAEL,  JOHN.     New  Street,  Greenock,  1750-1800. 
Maker  of  the  first  clock  in  Greenock  Parish  Church, 
1786. 

"  GREENOCK. — A  most  daring  robbery  was  com- 
mitted here  between  Saturday  night  and  Sunday 
morning.  The  shop  of  Mr  Carmichael,  v/atchmaker, 
was  entered  into  by  picking  the  locks,  and  property 
mostly  consisting  of  gold  and  silver  watches  to  the 
amount  of  several  hundred  pounds  carried  ofT.  A  most 
diligent  search  is  being  made  for  the  thieves,  and  already 
several  persons  have  been  apprehended  on  suspicion." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  28th  April  1800. ' 

CARNEGIE,-  — .     Arbroath,  1850. 

CARNEGIE,    ROBERT,    and    two    brothers.      Kineft    and 
Drumlithie,  1838. 

CARNEGIE,  ROBERT.     Auchinblae,  1837. 
CARRUTHERS,  DAVID.     Ecclefechan,  1840. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  79 

CARRUTHERS,  GEORGE.      Langholm,   1836;  died    1866, 

aged  76. 
CASSELS,  JAMES.      Lanark;    born   iQth  May   1833;    died 

1 9th  February  1906. 

CATHRO,  -    — .     Dundee,  1823. 

"The  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty  having 
advertised  a  premium  of  £300  for  the  best  chronometer 
which  should  be  kept  at  Greenwich  for  one  year,  thirty- 
six  were  sent  thither  by  the  principal  chronometer 
makers  in  London  and  were  kept  in  1823.  It  was 
announced  that  if  any  chronometer  varied  six  seconds 
it  could  not  obtain  a  prize.  At  the  end  of  the  year  the 
second  best  chronometer,  of  which  the  variation  was 
about  five  seconds,  was  made  by  Mr  Cathro,  a  native 
of  Dundee.  Such  perfection  was  never  before  attained, 
and  it  justly  excited  the  astonishment  of  all  astronomers 
and  of  the  Board  of  Admiralty. — Glasgow  Mechanic? 
Magazine,  1826,  vol.  ii.,  page  145. 

CHALMERS,  ALEX.  THOMSON.     Aberdeen,  1836. 

CHALMERS,    DAVID.      12    Catherine   Street,   Edinburgh, 

1803-19. 
CHAPMAN,  FRANCIS.     Main  Street,  Pollokshaws,  1836. 

CHAPMAN,    FRANCIS.      55     Brunswick    Street,   Glasgow, 

1840. 
CHARLTON,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1792. 

"John  Charlton,  Watch  and  Clockmaker,  married 
to  Margaret  Aitkinson,  2Oth  March  1792." — Edinburgh 
Marriage  Register. 

CH ARRAS,  CHARLES.    Glasgow,  1717. 
CHARTERS,  DECKFORD.     Edinburgh,  1783. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Normond  Macpherson,  26th 
February  1783. 

CHARTERS,  WILLIAM.     68  High  Street,  Dumfries,  1837. 

CHISHOLM,   ADAM.      5    St   Andrew's   Street,   Dumfries, 

1780-1821. 
CHRISTIE,  GABRIEL.     Edinburgh,  1736. 

Son  of  James  Christie,  merchant  in  Stirling,  booked 

apprentice  to  Andrew  Dickie,  6th  December  1736. 


80  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

CHRISTIE,  JAMES.    Perth,  1820-48.    82  High  Street,  Perth. 

"  James    Christie,   watch    and    clock    maker,    Perth, 

served    Heir  in   General  to  his  father,  James  Christie, 

Meal  Dealer  there,  dated  3<Dth  August  1820.     Recorded 

nth  September  1820." —  Services  of  Heirs. 

CHRISTIE,  JAMES.     52  St  John  Street,  Perth,  1820-43. 
CLAPPERTON,  GIEDON.     Edinburgh,  1777. 

Bound     apprentice     to     Laurence    Dalgleish,    29th 
January  1777. 
CLARK,  ANDREW.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1753-64. 

Booked    apprentice    to    James    Nicoll,    Canongate, 
27th  February    1753.     Admitted   a  freeman  clock  and 
watch  maker  of  Canongate  Hammermen,  3rd  May  1760, 
his  essay  being  the  inside  of  a  watch  movement. 
Married  Grizal  Doig,  28th  February  1761. 

CLARK,  CHARLES.     Edinburgh,  1814. 

^\st  August  1814. — "Compeared  on  this  date  and 
presented  a  petition  craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman 
locksmith  in  right  of  James  Clark  (q.v.),  clockmaker  in 
Edinburgh,  his  father,  which  was  granted,  and  he  paid 
the  treasurer  six  pounds." 

Afth  August  1815. — "Compeared  and  produced  his 
essay,  being  a  timepiece  begun,  made,  and  finished  in 
the  presence  of  James  Clark,  sen.,  as  landlord,  and 
James  Paterson  and  John  Picken,  as  they  declared,  and 
was  accordingly  admitted.  He  paid  the  treasurer  six 
pounds." — E.  H.  Records. 

CLARK,  GEORGE.     Aberdeen;  died  1852,  aged  36. 
CLARK,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1791-1835. 

Married  Elizabeth  Thomson,  23rd  August  1791. 
29^  June  1807. — "Compeared  and  presented  a  peti- 
tion   craving    to    be    admitted    a   freeman    member   of 
the    Incorporation,   for   which   he   was   willing   to    pay 
Seventy   pounds   Sterling.     The    prayer   of  which   was 
granted,  and  an  essay  appointed  to  him  to  be  produced 
at  the  Martinmas  quarter.    He  paid  the  treasurer  thirty- 
five  pounds,  being  the  first  moiety  of  his  entry  money." 
January  1808. — "Compeared  and  produced  his 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  81 

essay,  a  clock  movement,  begun,  made,  and  finished 
in  his  own  shop,  in  presence  of  James  Ramage,  landlord, 
George  Skelton,  Robert  Foot,  and  Andrew  Wilson,  essay 
masters,  as  they  declared.  He  paid  thirty-five  pounds  as 
the  second  moiety  of  his  entry  money." — E.  H.  Records. 

"  CLOCKMAKERS  WANTED. — A  few  journeymen  will 
receive  good  encouragement  and  constant  employment. 
Personal  application  to  James  Clark,  Clock  and  Watch 
Maker,  Mint  Close,  is  expected,  where  clocks  and 
machines  of  all  kinds  are  executed  with  neatness  and 
despatch. — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  23rd  November 
1805. 

"  James  Clark,  Clockmaker,  a  little  below  the  Tron 
Church,  returns  thanks  for  the  orders  he  has  been 
favoured  with  for  steeple  clocks  from  various  parts 
of  Scotland.1  He  makes  clocks  for  one  or  more  dials 
of  excellent  workmanship,  which  is  offered  on  moderate 
terms." — Ibid.,  i8th  November  1809. 

"An  elegant  small  stearn  engine,  valued  at  200 
guineas.  To  be  disposed  of  by  200  shares  at  one  guinea 
each.  James  Clark,  Clock  and  Machine  Maker,  proposes 
disposing  of  the  above  elegant  engine  by  200  shares 
at  one  guinea  each,  to  be  determined  by  ballot  on 
Wednesday,  the  ipth  January  1814,  in  M'Ewan's  Rooms, 
Royal  Exchange,  at  one  o'clock  P.M.  The  engine  may 
be  examined  every  lawful  day  at  Mr  Clark's  house, 
entering  from  No.  8  High  Street,  where  shares  may 
be  had.  J.  C.  executes  with  the  greatest  accuracy, 
attention,  and  expedition,  every  kind  of  machinery  in 
brass  and  steel." — Ibid.,  8th  January  1814. 

The  Edinburgh  Town  Council,  on  iQth  December 
1827,  accepted  an  estimate  by  James  Clark  to  furnish 
an  eight-day  clock  for  the  Tron  Church  Steeple  to 
carry  four  sets  of  minute  and  hour  hands  for  dials  from 
6  to  8  feet  diameter,  and  of  sufficient  strength  to  raise 
a  hammer  to  strike  a  bell  of  15  cwts. 

"  SOCIETY  OF  ARTS  FOR  SCOTLAND. — Prizes  gained 
and  presented  on  I7th  June  1829.  To  Mr  James  Clark, 
Steeple-Clock  and  Machine  Maker,  Edinburgh.  The 
Society's  Gold  Medal,  value  £15,  153.,  for  his  description 
and  relative  drawings  of  a  method  of  cutting  screws. 
The  great  importance  of  the  subject,  the  care  which 

1  See  Haddington  Town  Clocks,  page  180. 


82  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

had  been  bestowed  in  the  construction  of  the  expensive 
apparatus,  and  the  attention  which  was  paid  to  the 
laying  of  the  matter  in  a  proper  manner  before  the 
Society  appeared  to  the  Committee  to  deserve  the 
highest  mark  of  the  Society's  approval." — Transactions 
of  the  Royal  Society  of  Arts  for  Scotland,  1829. 

"TURRET  CLOCKS  AND  MACHINERY  MANU- 
FACTORY. —  James  Clark  has  always  on  hand  a 
number  of  turret  clocks  suitable  for  public  offices  or 
church  spires  where  one  or  more  dials  may  be  wanted. 
J.  C.  makes  all  kinds  of  models  in  brass  or  steel,  and 
from  the  long  experience  in  the  above  branches,  he 
assures  those  who  may  favour  him  with  their  orders 
that  they  will  find  his  charges  moderate." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  22nd  May  1834. 

CLARK,  JAMES.     Kirkcaldy,  1843. 

CLARK,  JOHN.     54  Cathcart  Street,  Greenock,  1820-36. 

CLARK,  JOSEPH.     Kirkcaldy,  1843. 

CLARK,  ROBERT.     Market  Lane,  Kilmarnock,  1850. 

CLARK,  ROBERT.     Newburgh,  Fife,  1836. 

CLARKE,  JOHN.     Greenock,  1822-37. 

CLARKE,  WILLIAM.     Greenock,  1805. 

CLELAND,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1761-84. 

"  Booked  apprentice  to  James  Duff,  24th  March 
1761." 

*jth  May  1763. — "The  incorporation,  with  the  consent 
of  James  Duff,  transfers  John  Clelland,  his  apprentice, 
for  the  time  yet  to  run  of  his  indentures  to  Daniel 
Binny.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  by  Daniel  Binny, 
ist  March  1767." 

"  Presented  a  bill  craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman 
watchmaker,  26th  July  1771." 

2$tk  January  1772. — "  Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  an  horizontal  watch  begun,  made,  and 
finished  in  presence  of  James  Gibson,  landlord,  Robert 
Clidisdale,  James  Duff,  and  Robert  Cairriton,  essay 
masters,  as  they  declared." — E.  H.  Records. 

"  The  copartnery  of  Gibson  and  Cleland,  watch- 
makers in  Edinburgh,  being  now  dissolved,  John 


PINCHBECK  WATCH, 

With  enamelled  back.  By  John  Cleland,  Edinburgh,  1761-84. 
In  the  Museum  of  the  Society  of  Antiquaries  of  Scotland, 
Edinburgh.  Reproduced  by  permission. 


[To  face  page  82. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  83 

Cleland  begs  leave  to  acquaint  the  public  that  he 
carries  on  the  clock  and  watch  making  business  in  all 
its  branches  in  the  fore  shop,  first  storey  of  Galloway's 
land,  opposite  to  Libberton's  Wynd,  Lawnmarket, 
Edinburgh. 

"  As  Mr  Cleland  has  for  some  years  applied  himself 
to  finishing,  and  for  a  considerable  time  conducted  the 
business  of  one  of  the  principal  shops  in  London,  those 
who  are  pleased  to  favour  him  with  their  employment 
may  depend  upon  being  served  with  the  greatest 
exactness  and  despatch. 

"  N.B. — Commissions  directed  as  above  will  be 
carefully  executed." — 'Edinburgh  Evening  Courant, 
26th  June  1773. 

"  There  was  lost  on  Saturday  the  22nd  of  May  1784, 
either  in  the  playhouse  or  betwixt  it  and  the  Exchange 
Coffee  House,  a  single  cased  Gold  Watch,  maker's  name, 
Thomas  Hill,  London,  No.  932,  with  a  leather  string 
and  key.  If  the  same  comes  to  hand,  please  acquaint 
John  Cleland,  watchmaker,  who  will  give  a  handsome 
reward." — Caledonian  Mercury,  24th  May  1784. 

A  capital  example  of  his  skill,  namely  a  lady's  watch, 
is  now  in  the  museum  of  the  Society  of  Antiquaries 
of  Scotland,  Queen  Street,  Edinburgh.  See  illustra- 
tion facing  page  82. 

CLELAND  &  MOLLISON.     Edinburgh,  1785-90. 

"  Margaret  Guthrie,  relict  of  John  Cleland,  watch 
and  clock  maker  in  Lawnmarket,  Edinburgh,  begs  leave 
to  inform  her  friends  and  the  customers  of  her  late 
husband  that  the  business  is  carried  on  by  Charles 
Mollison  (q.v.),  an  experienced  watch  and  clock  maker, 
for  the  behalf  of  her  and  her  small  family  under  the 
firm  of  Cleland  and  Mollison.  Commissions  from  the 
country  will  be  punctually  and  faithfully  executed. 
Those  to  whom  John  Cleland  was  indebted  will  please 
give  in  notes  of  their  debts  to  the  said  Margaret 
Guthrie." — Caledonian  Mercury,  I2th  September  1785. 

CLELAND,  MRS.     Edinburgh,  1790-96. 

11  Lost,  a  plain  gold  case  of  a  watch  between 
Edinburgh  and  Leith.  Any  person  who  has  found  the 
same  and  will  bring  it  to  Mrs  Cleland,  watchmaker, 
Lawnmarket,  Edinburgh,  shall  be  handsomely  rewarded." 
— Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  6th  October  1791. 


84  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

"  Found,  a  Pinchbeck  watch.  Any  person  who  has 
lost  the  same  will  please  apply  to  Mrs  Cleland,  watch- 
maker, below  the  Cross,  Edinburgh." — Ibid.,  I4th  April 
1796. 

"  CLOCK  AND  WATCH  MAKING. — Mrs  Cleland,  Head 
of  New  Assembly  Close,  Edinburgh,  acknowledges  her 
gratitude  for  past  favours,  and  respectfully  begs  leave 
to  acquaint  her  friends  and  the  public  that  she  still 
continues  to  carry  on  the  clock  and  watch  making 
business  in  all  its  branches,  under  the  direction  of  a 
young  man  who  has  had  long  experience  in  that  line. 
She  therefore  solicits  her  friends  and  the  public  at  large 
for  a  continuance  of  their  favours. 

"  N.B. — A  neat  assortment  of  Clocks  and  Watches 
always  on  hand." — Ibid.,  nth  June  1796. 

See  also  Robert  Hinmers,  page  190. 

CLIDSDALE  OR  CLYDSDALE,  ROBERT.  Edinburgh, 
1738-86. 

"  Son  of  Archibald  Clidsdale,  Schoolmaster,  Kenno- 
way,  Fife ;  booked  apprentice  to  Alexander  Brand, 
1 5th  September  1738.  Compeared  on  I7th  November 
1 75 3,  and  presented  his  bill  for  being  admitted  a  freeman 
clock  and  watch  maker,  which  was  received,  and  an  essay 
and  essay  masters  were  appointed  him.  The  essay  to  be 
presented  betwixt  and  Michaelmas  next.  He  paid  the 
treasurer  five  pounds  sterling  as  the  half  of  his  upset  dues." 

2nd  October  1754. — "Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  the  movement  of  a  watch  begun  and  ended 
in  his  own  shop,  in  presence  of  John  Dalgleish  and 
Andrew  Dickie,  watchmakers,  and  George  Aitken,  smith, 
essay  masters,  and  Alexander  Brand,  landlord,  as  they 
declared,  which  was  found  a  well-wrought  essay,  etc. 
He  paid  the  treasurer  five  pounds  sterling,  as  the  last 
half  of  his  upset  money,  and  he  also  paid  the  clerk  and 
officers  dues." — E.  H.  Records. 

"Lost  on  the  2ist,  at  Musselburgh,  a  silver  watch, 
maker's  name,  Robert  Clidsdale,  No.  141.  Whoever 
returns  the  said  watch  to  the  said  Robert  Clidsdale,  or  the 
publisher  of  this  paper,  shall  be  handsomely  rewarded. 

"  N.B. — The  watch  has  a  steel  chain  with  a  steel  hook 
in  the  form  of  a  fish." — Caledonian  Mercury,  2ist  April 
1764. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKM AKERS  85 

"A  WATCH  LOST. — There  was  stolen  or  lost  on 
Tuesday,  the  3Oth  of  October  1781,  betwixt  the  Parlia- 
ment Close  and  the  head  of  the  Canongate,  a  small- 
sized  gold  watch,  maker's  name,  R.  Sanderson,  London, 
No.  415.  It  is  entreated  if  said  watch  is  offered  for  sale 
or  mending  to  stop  her  and  acquaint  Robert  Clidsdale, 
watchmaker,  opposite  head  of  Niddry's  Wynd,  who  will 
give  a  sufficient  reward." — Ibid.,  3rd  November  1781. 

"  James  Clidsdale,  served  Heir  General  to  his  father, 
Robert  Clidesdale,  watchmaker  in  Edinburgh,  dated 
1 5th  June  1786.  Recorded  22nd  June  1786." — Services 
of  Heirs. 

"  To  be  sold  by  public  roup  within  John's  Coffee- 
house, on  Wednesday  the  i8th  January  1804,  the 
whole  feu-duties  and  casualties  of  superiority  at  St  John's 
Hill,  South  Back  of  the  Canongate,  which  belonged  to  the 
deceased  Robert  Clidsdale,  watchmaker  in  Edinburgh. 
The  feu-duties  amount  to  £30  annually." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  7th  January  1804. 

CLIDSDALE,  HUGH.     Edinburgh,  1762-1821. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Robert  Clidsdale,  6th  December 
1762.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  by  Robert  Clidsdale, 
22nd  December  1769. 

"  Hugh  Clidsdale,  watchmaker  in  London,  served 
Heir  General  to  his  uncle,  Robert  Clidsdale,  watch- 
maker in  Edinburgh,  dated  i8th  November  1808. 
Recorded  28th  November  1808." — Services  of  Heirs. 

"  Hugh  Clidsdale,  watchmaker  in  Edinburgh,  served 
Heir  General  to  his  sister  Rebecca  Clidsdale  there, 
dated  3Oth  January  1821.  Recorded  7th  February 
1821." — Services  of  Heirs. 

COATS,  ROBERT.     Hamilton,  1745-61. 
COCHRANE,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh,  1754-62. 

"  Son  to  Captain  Basil  Cochrane,  Governor  of  the 
Isle  of  Man ;  booked  apprentice  to  John  Dalgleish, 
watchmaker,  3rd  July  1754.  Discharged  of  his  inden- 
tures by  John  Dalgleish  24th  July  1762."—  E.  H.  Records. 

COCHRANE,  THOMAS.     Glasgow,  1810. 
COCHRANE,  WILLIAM.     19  Smith  Hills,  Paisley,  1836. 


86  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

COCKBURN,  ADAM.     Haddington,  1804-43. 

Adam  was  a  bit  of  a  poet,  and  the  following  lines 
hit  off  one  of  his  characteristics,  namely,  that  of  never 
staying  long  in  one's  shop: — 

"  See,  Adie  Cockburn  shifts  again  ; 
His  work  and  toil  are  all  in  vain. 
What's  made  in  eident  sitting- 
Is  lost  in  constant  flitting. 
Soon  bakers'  warm  and  smoking  batches 
Will  take  the  place  of  Cockburn's  watches." 

MART  INK'S  Annals  of  Haddington. 

Adam  Cockburn  went  to  Canada  in  1843. 
COCKBURN,  ANDREW  THOMPSON.       Berwick-on-Tweed, 

1843- 

COCKBURN,  WILLIAM.     Haddington,  1814. 
COGHILL,  JAMES.     Glasgow,  1811. 
COLEMAN,  THOMAS.     Foot  of  Leith  Walk,  Leith,  1811. 
COLLISON,  ALEXANDER.     Stonehaven,  1834. 
COMMON,  JAMES,  sen.     Coldstream  ;  died  1849. 
COMMON,  JAMES,  jun.     Coldstream,  1849. 

"James  Common,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker  in 
Coldstream,  served  Heir  General  to  his  Grandfather, 
James  Common,  watchmaker  there,  dated  iSth  June 
1849.  Recorded  26th  July  1849."- — Services  of  Heirs. 

CONQUER,  PATRICK.     Perth,  1790. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Joseph  Taylor,  Perth,  1790. 

CONQUEROR,    PETER.       Hide    Hill,    Berwick-on-Tweed 

1806-22. 

CONSTABLE,  ALEXANDER.     Dundee,  1838. 
CONSTABLE,  GEORGE.     Cupar-Fife,  1814. 
CONSTABLE,  WILLIAM.     Dundee,  1806. 
CONSTABLE,  WILLIAM.     7  High  Street,  Dundee,  1812-28. 
COOK,  JAMES.      Strichen,  1846. 

COOK,  JAMES.     Dumfries;    died    2nd    January   1874,    aged 
62  years. 

COOK,  WILLIAM.     Aberdeen,  1651,  page  6. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  87 

COOPER,  THOMAS.     Castle  Street,  Hamilton,  1836. 
COOPER,  WILLIAM.     Castle  Wynd,  Hamilton,  1808-24. 

"Robbery  on  Thursday  last,  the  3ist  ult.,  betwixt 
the  hours  of  eleven  and  twelve  at  night.  John  Lechone, 
farmer  in  Glasfurd,  on  his  way  home  was  knocked  down 
and  robbed  of  his  pocket  book  and  watch,  maker's  name, 
Bradshaw  &  Ryley,  Coventry,  No.  720.  A  handsome 
reward  will  be  given  for  recovery  of  said  watch  or  such 
information  as  may  lead  to  a  discovery  of  the  perpetrators 
of  the  robbery  by  applying  to  William  Cooper,  Clock- 
maker,  Hamilton." — Glasgow  Courier,  7th  July  1808. 

"  Mechanical  wonder  in  Horology,  invented  by  Mr 
William  Cooper,  Hamilton.  Eight-day  clock,  lately 
invented  by  him,  that  will  show  the  hours,  minutes, 
and  seconds  with  only  three  wheels  and  two  pinions. 
Illustrated  and  described  in  the  Glasgow  Mechanics* 
Magazine  for  Saturday,  I2th  July  1824." 

CORBET,  ROBERT.     27  Slockwell  Street,  Glasgow,  1822-41. 
CORDINGLEY,  THOMAS.     High  Street,  Wick,  1836. 
CORRIE,  PHILIP.     Langholm,  180x3-17. 
COULTER,  WILLIAM.    Dockhead  Street,  Saltcoats,  1837-50. 

COUPER,  ANDREW.     Clock  Case  Maker,  Edinburgh,  1836. 

"  Andrew  Couper,  Clockcase  Maker,  Edinburgh, 
served  Heir  of  Conquest,  etc.,  to  his  brother,  Thomas 
Couper,  wright  in  St  Andrews,  dated  29th  March  1836. 
Recorded  6th  April  1836." — Service  of  Heirs. 

COUSTEILL,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1694-1715. 

"  Son  to  Peter  Cousteill,  tailor  and  burgess  of  the 
Canongate,  booked  apprentice  to  Paul  Romieu,  28th 
August  1694." 

6th  November  1714. — "There  being  a  petition 
given  in  by  John  Cousteill,  late  prentice  to  the  deceast 
Paul  Romieu,  watchmaker,  craving  that  the  house  would 
grant  warrand  to  the  Deacon  and  Boxmaster  to  discharge 
his  indentures.  To  the  effect  he  may  get  his  freedom 
yairby  for  the  reasons  yairin  contained.  It  being  put  to 
the  vote  whether  the  desire  of  the  petition  should  be 
granted  or  not,  it  was  granted  by  plurality  of  votes." 

\$th     April     1715.— "The     which     day     the     haill 


88  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

Incorporation  being  met,  compeared  John  Cousteill, 
late  apprentice  to  the  deceast  Paul  Romieu,  watchmaker, 
and  presented  his  essay,  viz.,  the  movements  of  a 
watch,  which  was  found  a  weill  wrought  essay,  etc.  His 
essay  masters  were  Robert  Alexander  and  John  Fraser. 
His  essay  was  made  in  William  Sutor's  shop." — E.  H. 
Records. 

COUTTS,    JAMES.      Perth,     1800— Barosa    Street,    Perth, 
1837-48. 

COWAN,  HUGH.     Duerness  Street,  Thurso,  1837. 

COWAN,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1744-81. 

"  Son  of  George  Cowan,  wright  in  Edinburgh ; 
booked  apprentice  to  Archibald  Straiten,  watchmaker, 
Edinburgh,  4th  February  1744." 

i^th  June  1753. — "Presented  his  bill  for  being 
admitted  a  clock  and  watch  maker  in  right  of  his  service, 
which  was  admitted  and  received,  and  an  essay  and 
essay  masters  appointed  him.  He  paid  unto  the 
Treasurer  five  pounds  sterling  as  the  half  of  his  upset, 
the  other  half  to  be  paid  at  his  admission." 

2nd  February  1754. — "Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  movement  of  a  watch  begun  and  ended 
in  his  own  shop  in  presence  of  James  Geddes,  William 
Nicol,  and  William  Aitken,  essay  masters,  and  Archibald 
Straiten,  landlord,  as  they  all  declared,  which  was  found 
a  well  wrought  essay,  etc.  He  paid  the  Treasurer  five 
pounds  sterling,  as  the  last  half  of  his  upset  money, 
and  he  also  paid  the  clerk  and  officers  dues."— E.  H. 
Records. 

"  Lost  at  Dalkeith,  on  the  4th  of  October  last,  a  silver 
watch,  maker's  name,  D.  Walker,  London,  No.  N.C.N. 
Any  person  who  has  found  the  same  may  apply  to  James 
Cowan  at  his  shop,  west  end  of  Luckenbooths,  Edinburgh, 
and  they  shall  be  sufficiently  rewarded"— Caledonian 
Mercury,  6th  November  1756. 

Elected  Deacon  of  the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen 
of  Edinburgh,  I7th  September  1759-60-61. 

"  Stolen  a  small-sized  silver  watch,  maker's  name, 
James  Miln,  St  Ninians,  No.  995,  the  glass  a  little 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  89 

cracked,  having  a  seal  in  the  form  of  a  compass  hung  by 
a  black  ribbon  knotted  in  the  middle.  Whoever  can 
give  account  of  the  said  watch  so  as  it  may  be  recovered 
to  Mr  James  Cowan,  watchmaker,  Lawnmarket, 
Edinburgh,  shall  have  a  guinea  reward." — Ibid.,  I9th 
December  1761. 

"Lost  on  Saturday  last,  between  Edinburgh  and 
Penicuik,  a  Pinchbeck  watch,  with  green  case,  maker's 
name,  J.  Jackson,  No.  8105,  with  a  steel  chain  and  two 
seals.  Whoever  has  found  it  and  returns  it  to  the 
Publisher  of  this  paper  or  Mr  Cowan,  Parliament  Square, 
shall  be  handsomely  rewarded." — Ibid.,  I4th  June  1779. 

"  Lost  on  the  1 2th  of  October  on  the  road  from 
Dalkeith  to  Newbattle,  from  thence  to  the  eight  mile 
stone  on  the  London  road,  returning  to  Dalkeith  by  the 
village  of  Lasswade,  a  small  single  cased  French  watch, 
maker's  name,  Charles  Versen,  Paris.  Whoever  has 
found  the  same  and  will  bring  it  to  Mr  Cowan,  watch- 
maker, Edinburgh,  will  receive  a  reward." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  I4th  October  1780. 

For  further  information  regarding  this  clever  and 
capable  craftsman,  see  notes  on  William  Auld,  p.  22,  and 
p  310  for  Thomas  Reid  who  succeeded  to  his  business 
at  his  death,  which  took  place  in  1781.  A  splendid 
specimen  of  his  skill  is  now  located  in  the  entrance 
hall  of  the  Signet  Library,  Parliament  Square,  Edin- 
burgh, the  situation  being  only  a  few  yards  away  from 
where  it  was  originally  made. 

"  Ann  Cowan  or  Pringle,  wife  of  Dunbar  Pringle, 
currier,  Edinburgh,  served  Heir  General  to  her  brother, 
James  Cowan,  watchmaker  there,  dated  Qth  July  1783. 
Recorded  I2th  July  1783." — Services  of  Heirs. 

COWAN,  WILLIAM.     8  High  Street,  Glasgow,  1806-22. 

"  On  Friday  night  last  a  gentleman  was  stopped  in 
Candleriggs  Street  by  some  persons  who  robbed  him  of 
a  silver  watch,  large  size,  flat  face,  gold  hands,  maker's 
name,  John  Brown,  London,  No.  2676,  having  a  brown 
ribbon  with  a  gold  key.  Whoever  will  bring  said  watch 
and  key  to  Mr  William  Cowan,  watchmaker,  High 
Street,  or  give  information  where  the  same  may  be 
found,  will  be  handsomely  rewarded." — Glasgow  Courier, 
2$th  May  1812. 


90  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

COWAN,  WILLIAM.     Main  Street,  Lennoxtown,  1836. 

CRAIG,  DAVID.     Ford,  Pathhead,  Dalkeith,  1798-1804. 

"  Lost  or  stolen  on  Wednesday  night  last  a  silver 
caped  and  jewelled  day  of  the  month  watch,  maker's 
name,  David  Craig,  Ford,  Pathhead,  No.  765.  Whoever 
will  bring  the  same  to  Robert  Logic,  watchmaker, 
Richmond  Street,  Edinburgh,  shall  have  forty  shillings 
of  reward." — Edinburgh  Evening  CourantyQ\h  June  1804. 

CRAIG,  JAMES.     Glasgow,  about  1760. 

A  capital  specimen  of  this  man's  work  was  shown  at 
the  Glasgow  Exhibition,  1911.  It  indicated  the  hours 
and  the  minutes,  the  day  of  the  month,  the  moon's  age, 
the  signs  of  the  Zodiac,  the  phases  of  the  moon  and  her 
position  in  the  heaven,  An-astrolabe  showing  the  stars 
of  the  principal  constellation  varying  their  position  with 
the  Calendar. 

CRAIG,  PETER,  Clock  Dial  Maker.     Glasgow,  1837. 

CRAIG,  ROBERT.     Kilmaurs,  1740. 

CRAIG,  ROBERT.     Kilmarnock,  1748. 

"  It  is  with  pleasure  we,  the  Magistrates  and  Town 
Council  of  Air  (Ayr),  inform  the  public  that  we  have  got 
iron  or  steel  mills  here  for  grinding  malt,  lately  erected 
by  Robert  Craig,  watchmaker  in  Kilmarnock,  which 
appears  to  be  a  considerable  improvement  of  its  kind, 
and  is  in  a  great  measure  his  own  invention.  The  mills 
go  by  water,  have  one  outer  and  one  inner  wheel  of  the 
usual  form.  The  cogs  of  the  inner  wheel  play  upon  the 
pinion  of  a  horizontal  wheel  which  drives  two  iron 
machines,  whose  cutters  or  teeth  are  made  of  steel,  and 
so  fitted  with  screws  that  they  can  be  easily  taken  out  and 
sharped  when  occasion  requires,  which  will  not,  however, 
as  we  are  assured,  be  necessary  to  be  done  oftener  than 
once  in  two  years.  The  tridle  boards  are  commanded 
by  strong  steel  springs  which  are  able  to  stop  the 
machine  and  prevent  its  being  hurt  by  nails  or  stones 
among  the  malt.  The  mills  go  with  as  little  water  as 
any  ordinary  corn  mills  and  grind  with  ease  16  bushels 
in  7  minutes.  They  have  been  going  now  for  two 
months  past  and  answer  extremely  well." —  Glasgow 
Courant,  24th  to  3ist  October  1748. 

CRAW,  JAMES.     High  Street,  Forfar,  1837. 


EIGHT-DAY  CLOCK, 

In  mahogany  case.  By  James  Craig,  Glasgow, 
1760.  The  property  of  Sir  John  Stirling-Maxwell, 
Bart.,  of  Pollok. 


[To  face  page  90. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  91 

CRAWFORD,  ARCHIBALD.     6  Manse  Court,  Main  Street, 

Largs,  1836-50. 

CRAWFORD,  GEORGE.     High  Street,  Falkirk,  1836. 
CRAWFORD,  JAMES.     51  High  Street,  Johnstone,  1836. 
CRAWFORD,  ROBERT.     Foulden,  Dunse,  1803. 
CRAWFORD,  WILLIAM.     Markinch,  1837. 
CRAWFORD,  WILLIAM.    Glasgow,  1799. 

"  Watch  lost  on  Wednesday,  the  3Oth  of  October  last, 

in  the  town  of  Rutherglen.     An  old  silver  watch,  maker's 

name,  William  Crawford,  Glasgow." — Glasgow  Courier, 

26th  November  1799. 

CREE,  JOHN.     47  Stockwell  Street,  Glasgow,  1829-41. 

CREIGHTON,    DAVID.     28    Hamilton    Street,    Greenock, 
1821. 

CREITH,  ROBERT.     Leith,  1554.     See  pages  134-5. 

CREYCH,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,   1570  (probably  same  as 
above). 

CRICHTON,  DAVID.     Glasgow,  1822. 
CRICHTON,  GEORGE.     Mid-Calder,  1829. 

11  Agnes  Crichton,  in  Mid-Calder,  served  Heir  General 
to  her  mother,  Barbara  Stuart,  wife  of  George  Crichton, 
watchmaker  there,  dated  I4th  December  1829.  Recorded 
2  ist  December  1829." — Services  of  Heirs. 

CRICHTON,  JOHN.     Shore,  Leith,  1793-1800. 

CRIGHTON,  JOHN.     Dundee,  1795. 

CRIGHTON,  WALTER.     Nungate,  Haddington,  1850. 

CROLL,  COLIN.     16  South  St  Andrew  Street,  Edinburgh, 
1804-8. 

This  maker  does  not  appear  to  have  been  a  freeman 
of  the  Edinburgh  Hammermen  Incorporation,  but  the 
omission  occurring  in  his  case  will  be  found  in  that  of  a 
large  number  of  others  who  were  in  business  after  1 800. 
This  was  brought  about  by  the  action  of  the  members  of 
these  old-world  societies,  who  by  a  short-sighted  policy 
some  years  previous  had  increased  the  entry  money  and 
other  dues  for  freemen,  in  some  cases  £70  being  asked, 


92  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

and  ultimately  £100  being  demanded  and  paid  for 
admission.  This  was  prohibitive  in  the  case  of  any 
but  the  wealthy,  the  consequence  being  that  men  of 
undoubted  talent  who  lacked  this  amount  of  ready 
money  trusted  to  their  own  exertions  rather  than 
undergo  this  exaction.  To  attempt  to  start  business 
within  the  jurisdiction  of  these  incorporations  was  next 
to  impossible,  as  they  had  all  the  powers  of  the  law  at 
their  command  ;  but  in  the  case  of  a  city  like  Edinburgh 
the  march  of  progress  was  a  factor  that  baffled  their 
powers.  The  extension  of  the  city  by  the  opening  of 
the  North  Bridge  made  a  loophole  which,  by  the  wisdom 
of  the  Magistrates,  was  declared  to  be  outside  the  scope 
of  the  Incorporation's  bounds,  and  rendered  it  possible 
for  a  competent  craftsman  to  commence  business,  of 
course  suffering  all  the  disadvantages  of  being  outside 
of  the  recognised  districts  of  particular  trades.  Croll 
evidently  knew  all  these  risks  and  commenced  business 
at  1 6  South  St  Andrew  Street,  Edinburgh,  in  1806. 
His  abilities  and  stock  may  be  judged  of  by  the  articles 
he  dealt  in,  viz.,  box  and  pocket  chronometers,  repeat- 
ing and  horizontal  watches,  musical,  spring,  quarter, 
and  common  eight-day  clocks.  Not  only  these  "  but 
any  part  or  movement  of  them  is  executed  at  the 
shortest  notice,  complete  satisfaction  being  guaranteed." 
Notwithstanding  all  these  qualifications  Croll  could  not 
hold  on,  and  by  the  year  1808  his  name  disappears  as  a 
watch  and  clock  maker  in  the  city  of  Edinburgh. 

CROLL,  COLIN.     George  Street,  Perth,  1818. 

This  is,  in  all  probability,  the  same  maker  as  above, 
who,  profiting  by  his  experience,  found  it  a  difficult 
matter  to  make  a  business  without  becoming  a  Hammer- 
man, and,  accordingly,  a  Colin  Croll  was  admitted  a 
freeman  of  the  Perth  Hammermen  in  1818. 

CROLL,  WILLIAM.     West  Port,  Dundee,  1837. 
CRONE,  WILLIAM.     Upper  Denburn,  Aberdeen,  1846. 
CROOKS  AND  BURN.     High  Street,  Edinburgh,  1796. 

"  To  WATCHMAKERS  AND  DEALERS  IN  WATCHES. — 
Crooks  and  Burn  respectfully  announce  that  they  have 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  93 

formed  a  connection  with  two  of  the  most  eminent 
watch  manufacturing  houses  in  London,  and  supply 
dealers  at  the  London  wholesale  prices,  adding  only  a 
small  commission  for  trouble  and  risk  of  carriage  to 
Edinburgh.  They  also  intimate  to  the  public  that  this 
establishment  obviously  enables  them  to  sell  on  the 
most  favourable  terms,  and  their  liberal  plan  of  warrant- 
ing all  watches  at  Three  Guineas  price  and  upwards, 
securing  satisfaction  to  a  certainty,  is  a  material  object. 
The  most  pointed  attention  to  orders  from  the  country." 
— Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  i/th  November  1796. 

CROSS  OR  CORSE,  JAMES.     Perth,  1800-31. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Patrick  Gardiner,  Perth,  1800. 

"  John  Corse  or  Cross,  at  Teuchithill,  served  Heir 
General  to  his  brother,  James  Corse  or  Cross,  clockmaker, 
Perth,  dated  3Oth  September  1831.  Recorded  nth 
October  1831 ." — Services  of  Heirs. 

CROSS    &   CARRUTHERS.     21    Elm    Row,   Edinburgh, 

1837- 
CROUCH,  WILLIAM.     40  North  Bridge,  Edinburgh,  1850. 

CRUICKSHANKS,  GEORGE.     Elgin,  1820-37. 
CRUKSHANKS,  JOHNE.     Aberdeen,  1453.     Page  i. 

GUMMING,  ALEXANDER.     London,  1733-1814. 

Mathematician  and  Mechanic,  was  a  native  of 
Edinburgh.  He  was  apprenticed  to  the  watchmaking 
business,  which  he  carried  on  with  great  reputation  for 
many  years  in  Bond  Street,  London.  On  retiring  from 
trade  he  settled  in  Pentonville,  where  he  had  several 
houses.  He  was  appointed  a  magistrate,  and  elected  a 
Fellow  of  the  Royal  Society.  Died  8th  March  1814. 

"  To  be  disposed  by  lottery  by  Robert  Hay, 
Auctioneer,  at  the  Edinburgh  Vendue,  second  fore  stair 
below  the  cross  well,  south  side  of  the  High  Street, 
Edinburgh,  a  very  fine  eight-day  clock  with  a  mahogany 
case,  dead  seconds  from  the  centre,  made  by  Mr 
Gumming,  clock  and  watch  maker  to  His  Majesty  at 
London." — Edinburgh  A  dvertiser. 

GUMMING,  ALEXANDER.     Inveraray,  1775. 


94  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

GUMMING,  CHARLES.     Edinburgh,  1772-78. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Walter  Brunton,  Edinburgh, 
1772. 
GUMMING,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1761. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Deacon  James  Cowan,  clock 
and  watch  maker,  Edinburgh,  7th  February  1761. 

GUMMING,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1737. 

Son  to  Arthur  Gumming,  barber  in  Edinburgh; 
booked  apprentice  Patrick  Gordon,  5th  February  1737. 

CUNNINGHAM,  JAMES.     Haddington,  1776. 
CUNNINGHAM,  WILLIAM.     Sanquhar,  1837. 

CUNNINGHAM,  W.  AND  A.     79  George  Street,  Edinburgh, 
1790-1845. 

CURRER,  JOHN.     Peebles,  1840. 

CURRER,  ROBERT.     High  Street,  Peebles,  1836. 

CUR R IE,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh,  1793-1804. 

Castle  Wynd,  1793;  Hay's  Close,  Grassmarket,  1804. 

CUTHBERT,  JAMES.     Perth,  1735-55- 

Admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker  in 
Perth  Hammermen,  1735. 

"  That  in  the  night  betwixt  the  2nd  and  3rd 
December  last,  there  was  stolen  out  of  James  Cuthbert, 
clock  smith  in  Perth,  two  silver  watches  :  the  one  No. 
2113,  maker's  name  David  Lasturgeon,  London,  which 
has  the  regulator  on  the  dial  plate  blued,  casts  up  the 
day  of  the  month  in  the  dial  plate  at  winding  up,  single 
cased,  and  winds  up  on  the  back  of  the  case,  covered 
with  a  shutter,  hath  a  bridge  instead  of  a  cock  of  a 
large  size,  with  the  main  spring  within  her  broke ;  the 
other  an  old  watch,  the  maker's  name  and  number 
unknown,  having  only  an  hour  hand  double  cased.  If 
any  person  can  give  notice  of  the  above  two  watches 
so  as  they  can  be  returned  to  the  said  James  Cuthbert 
or  to  the  publishers  of  this  paper,  they  shall  have  one 
guinea  reward  and  no  questions  asked,  and  if  they  come 
to  any  watchmaker's  hand,  they  will  be  so  good  as 
detain  them." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  3Oth  January 
1755- 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  95 

CUTHBERT,  JOHN.     Perth,  1764. 

Admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker  in  Perth 
Hammermen,  1764. 
DALGARNO,  ALEXANDER.     Aberdeen;  died  1852. 

DALGLEISH,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1742-71. 

%th  May  1742. — "  Son  of  John  Dalgleish,  late  freeman 
and  Deacon  of  this  Incorporation,  presented  his  bill  for 
being  admitted  freeman  watch  and  clock  maker,  which 
was  received  accordingly.  He  paid  Three  pounds, 
twelve  shillings,  and  two  pence  and  two  thirds  of  a 
penny  Sterling,  as  the  half  of  his  upset  and  dues  for 
the  Maiden  Hospital,  and  is  to  pay  the  other  half  at 
his  entry." 

\2th  November  1742. — "  Compeared  John  Dalgleish, 
son  to  John  Dalgleish,  deceast,  locksmith,  and  late  Deacon 
of  this  Incorporation,  and  presented  his  essay,  viz.,  a 
white  movement  of  a  watch,  which  was  found  a  well 
wrought  essay,  etc.  His  essay  masters  were  John 
Richardson  and  John  Brown.  His  essay  was  made  in  his 
own  shop  and  Hugh  Barclay,  landlord." — E.  H.  Records. 

"John  Dalgleish,  watchmaker,  burgess,  North  Kirk 
Parish,  married  to  Hannah  Johnston,  daughter  of  John 
Johnston,  merchant  and  late  baillie  in  Culross,  19  Deer. 
1742." — Edinburgh  Marriage  Register. 

"  Lost  last  night  betwixt  the  Abbay  and  the  Meal 
Market,  a  small-sized  silver  watch,  maker's  name,  Ellis, 
London,  with  a  green  silk  string  and  a  key.  Whoever 
has  found  it  let  them  call  at  John  Dalgleish,  watchmaker 
in  Edinburgh,  who  will  give  half  a  guinea  of  a  reward." — 
Caledonian  Mercury -,  7th  June  1744. 

i$th  September  1749. — "At  a  meeting  of  the 
Incorporation,  called  on  the  above  date  for  the  purpose 
of  voting  on  the  names  submitted  as  candidates  for  the 
office  of  Deacon,  objections  were  taken  to  John 
Dalgleish's  vote.  James  Clausen  protested  that  John 
Dalgleish  should  not  be  allowed  to  vote  because  he  had 
a  benefice  and  office  from  the  Town  Council  for  keeping 
the  town  clocks,  and  an  act  of  Council  for  that  purpose 
with  an  annual  salary,  to  which  Deacon  Gifford  and 
others  adheared. 


96  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

"John  Dalgleish  answered  he  had  no  such  office  as 
either  from  the  nature  of  the  thing  or  by  any  law  could 
disqualify  him  from  his  right  of  voting  as  any  other 
free  member,  and  protested  his  vote  might  be  received 
and  held  good,  to  which  Deacon  Wilson  adheared. 

"  John  Dalgleish  then  voted  under  such  conditions, 
and,  briefly,  it  may  be  stated  that  he  had  the  satisfaction 
of  seeing  five  of  the  six  names  he  voted  for  elected  to 
be  presented  to  the  Town  Council  for  revisal,  his  own 
name  making  the  sixth.  Next  day  a  meeting  being 
called,  the  members  agreed  that  the  protest  taken 
against  John  Dalgleish's  vote  shall  go  no  further  than 
among  themselves,  and  the  Deacon  then  presenting  the 
amended  leet  from  the  Town  Council  (three  names  in 
number),  voting  took  place,  and  John  Dalgleish  was 
practically  unanimously  elected  Deacon  of  the  Edinburgh 
Hammermen  for  the  ensuing  year,  and  as  usual  the 
minutes  of  this  meeting  are  signed  in  his  own  hand- 
writing."— E.  H.  Records. 

"  A  gold  watch  lost,  the  dial  plate  gold,  maker's  name 
Johnson,  and  the  day  of  the  month  cast  up  on  the  dial 
plate.  The  watch  is  pretty  large,  has  only  a  single 
case,  and  winds  up  on  the  back  of  the  case.  It  had  a 
steel  chain  and  a  steel  seal  with  a  coat  of  arms.  If  any 
person  has  found  it  and  will  return  it  to  Mr  John 
Dalgleish,  watchmaker,  in  the  Parliament  Close,  Edin- 
burgh, shall  be  sufficiently  rewarded."  —  Caledonian 
Mercury,  23rd  May  1753. 

"To  be  sold  on  the  loth  February  next,  betwixt 
the  hours  of  four  and  five  afternoon,  within  John's  Coffee- 
house, a  house,  fifth  story  of  Paterson's  Court,  possest 
by  John  Dalgleish,  watchmaker,  consisting  of  kitchen 
and  three  fire  rooms,  rent  £7" — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  3<Dth  January  1767. 

We  now  give  an  account  of  an  episode  in  John 
Dalgleish's  life,  which,  no  doubt,  affected  many  others 
beside  him,  namely,  the  visit  of  Prince  Charlie  and  his 
Highland  host  to  Edinburgh  in  the  ever-memorable 
year  of  1745,  but  was  curiously  enough  brought  home 
to  him  in  a  manner  that  gave  him  some  concern.  This 
was  owing  to  the  inquiry  by  the  Government  into 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  97 

the  matter  after  the  Rebellion  was  over,  and  in  Vol.  18 
of  State  Trials •,  page  102-6,  will  be  found  an  account  of 
the  "  Trial  of  Archibald  Stewart,  late  Lord  Provost 
of  Edinburgh,  for  neglect  of  duty  and  misbehaviour 
in  the  execution  of  his  office  as  Lord  Provost,  before 
and  at  the  time  the  rebels  got  possession  of  the  city, 
in  the  middle  of  September  1745."  John  Dalgleish 
had  the  unique  experience  of  being  summoned  as  a 
witness  for  both  sides  of  the  inquiry,  his  testimony 
being  as  follows  : — 

"John  Dalgleish,  watchmaker  in  Edinburgh,  depones, 
That  he  was  a  captain  of  the  trained  bands  on  duty 
upon  the  evening  of  Monday,  the  loth  of  September 
1745,  and  between  seven  and  eight  o'clock  at  night, 
he  received  a  message  by  one  of  the  town's  officers, 
containing  orders  to  him  to  cause  his  company  to 
lay  down  their  arms  and  to  dismiss  them,  which  he 
did  not  incline  on  that  message  to  do,  but  sent  his 
ensign,  William  Sibbald,  tailor,  with  orders  to  find  out 
the  Provost  wherever  he  was  and  to  acquaint  him, 
and  if  he  could  not  be  found,  the  captain  commandant ; 
that  he  the  deponent  had  received  the  above  message, 
as  from  the  panel  or  some  of  the  council,  and  to 
enquire  at  one  or  either  of  them  if  such  a  message 
was  sent,  and  what  he  would  do  in  relation  to  the 
subject  thereof.  That  his  ensign  accordingly  went 
and  returned  to  him  between  eight  and  nine  o'clock, 
with  orders  as  from  the  panel  to  dismiss  his  guard 
and  lay  down  their  arms,  and  the  deponent  being  then 
standing  at  the  door  of  the  Weigh-house,  which  was 
his  post,  and  where  he  had  planted  two  sentries,  his 
men  rushed  out  upon  him  leaving  their  arms  behind 
them.  And  depones,  That  he  received  no  direction 
from  any  person  in  what  manner  these  arms  should 
be  disposed  of  or  secured.  Depones,  That  he  first 
mounted  guard  upon  the  evening  of  the  fast  day, 
which  was  held  two  weeks  before  the  rebels  came 
to  town,  and  mounted  guard  again  upon  the  i6th 
day  of  September,  about  seven  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
and  just  before  that  saw  Panel  in  the  Goldsmith's  Hall, 

G 


98  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

who  acquainted  the  deponent  that  he  would  get  powder 
and  ball  and  cartridge  boxes  from  John  Hislop,  the 
city  store  keeper.  That  about  nine  o'clock  he  sent 
to  Mr  Hislop,  desiring  to  have  them,  but  he  not  being 
in  the  way  the  said  ammunition  was  not  brought 
till  about  eleven  o'clock,  when  as  much  as  was 
thought  would  be  useful  was  delivered  to  him  for 
his  company. 

"  Being  interrogate  for  the  panel  depones,  That 
betwixt  nine  and  ten  of  the  Sunday  morning,  the 
1 5th,  the  officers  of  the  trained  bands  were  called 
by  the  captain  commandant,  by  the  panel's  orders, 
to  the  Crown  tavern,  where  he  and  the  rest  of  the 
captains,  who  were  all  in  one  room  together,  received 
orders  from  their  commandant  to  be  ready  to  draw 
out  their  companies  on  a  minute's  warning,  which 
each  captain  communicated  to  his  subaltern  with  orders 
to  such  of  them  as  were  there  not  to  leave  that  tavern 
without  leaving  word  where  they  might  be  found. 
That  about  three  o'clock  of  the  afternoon  of  this  day 
the  captains  got  orders  to  repair  to  their  respective 
bounds  and  draw  out  their  companies,  which  they 
accordingly  did,  and  then  the  deponent's  company 
had  arms  distributed  among  them,  and,  as  far  as  he 
could  observe,  arms  were  delivered  to  the  other  com- 
panies, and  that  before  the  companies  were  dismissed 
they  received  orders  to  be  ready  to  march  at  tuck 
of  drum." 

These  scattered  but  authentic  notices  of  this  crafts- 
man exhibit  the  part  he  played  in  the  common  affairs 
of  his  fellow  citizens.  Useful  in  his  day  and  generation 
he  had  the  satisfaction  of  handing  on  his  flourishing 
business  to  his  son  Laurence  (q.v.)  some  years  before 
his  death,  which  took  place  at  the  close  of  the  year 
1771. 

DALGLEISH,  LAURENCE.     Edinburgh,  1771-1821. 

2$rd  March  1771. — "Compeared  and  presented  a 
bill  craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch 
maker  in  right  of  his  father.  The  prayer  of  which  was 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  99 

granted.  The  essay  to  be  presented  between  and  the 
first  Martinmas  meeting.  He  paid  the  Treasurer  sixty- 
five  merks  as  the  first  half  of  his  upset  money." 

2 5/7*  January  1772. — "  Laurence  Dalgleish,  son  of  the 
deceast  John  Dalgleish,  compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  watch  movement  begun,  made,  and 
finished  in  his  own  shop,  in  presence  of  James  Cowan, 
landlord,  Robert  Clidsdale,  William  Downie,  and  Thomas 
Letham,  essay  masters." — E.  H.  Records. 

"Christina  Dalgleish,  wife  of  L.  Dalgleish,  watch- 
maker, Edinburgh,  served  Heir  General  to  her  father, 
Patrick  Geddes,  Surgeon,  Culross,  dated  26th  July  1791. 
Recorded  28th  July  1791." — Services  of  Heirs. 

"  Laurence  Dalgleish  retires  from  business ;  he  goes 
to  reside  at  Torryburn,  where  he  will  be  able  to  supply 
his  customers  on  more  moderate  terms  than  formerly. 
Although  L.  D.  has  no  successor  to  his  business,  yet 
from  the  friendship  he  bears  to  Mr  George  Skelton 
(q.v.),  watchmaker  at  the  Cross,  he  takes  this  oppor- 
tunity of  recommending  him  to  his  customers  for 
repairing  their  watches,  and  that  they  may  be  assured 
that  he  is  a  man  of  integrity  and  completely  master 
of  his  business,  and  he  has  not  the  least  doubt  of  his 
giving  entire  satisfaction  to  L.  D.'s  friends." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  i8th  June  1808. 

He  died  at  West  Grange  in  1821. 
DALGLEISH,  ROBERT.     High  Street,  Falkirk,  1820. 

DALGLEISH    &    DICKIE.      North    Bridge,    Edinburgh, 
1791. 

"A  watch  lost  on  Wednesday,  the  I9th  current, 
between  seven  and  eight  in  the  morning.  A  silver 
watch  was  lost  between  the  west  end  of  the  links  of 
Kirkcaldy  and  Pettycur  Harbour,  maker's  name,  Thomas 
Stroud,  London,  No.  451.  If  the  person  who  has  found 
the  same  will  restore  it  to  Messrs  Dalgleish  and  Dickie, 
watch  makers,  North  Bridge  Street,  Edinburgh,  they 
will  be  handsomely  rewarded,  and  it  is  requested  it  may 
be  stopt  if  offered  for  sale." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  2Oth  October  1791. 


100  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

BALL,  THOMAS.     Dundee,  1819. 

"  Lily  Anderson  or  Ball,  wife  of  Thomas  Ball, 
watchmaker,  Dundee,  served  Heir  Portioner  General 
to  her  father,  Walter  Anderson,  weaver  there,  dated 
I2th  August  1819.  Recorded  i;th  August  1819." 
— Services  of  Heirs. 

BALL  AS,  ALEXANDER.     Inverness,  1850. 

See  note  on  William  Smith,  Inverness,  pages  366-7. 

BALLAS,  JOSEPH.     Perth,  1760. 

17 'th  May  1760. — "Joseph  Ballas,  a  stranger,  is 
admitted  to  be  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker  in  the 
Incorporation  of  Hammermen,  Perth,  for  payment  of 
five  pounds  sterling." 

"  Prosecuted  in  1763  for  encroaching  on  the  trade 
privileges."—  Perth  Hammermen  Records. 

DALLAWAY  &  SON.     Edinburgh,  1785-1812. 

Though  not  clockmakers,  yet  are  entitled  to  a  place 
in  these  lists,  seeing  that  nearly  all  the  painted  and 
enamelled  clock  dials  produced  in  Edinburgh  near  the 
end  of  the  eighteenth  century  were  the  work  of  this 
firm.  The  earliest  notice  of  the  name  occurs  in  an 
advertisement  in  the  Edinburgh  Evening  Courant^  dated 
1 8th  June  1785. 

"  A  feu-duty  of  Four  pounds  ten  shillings,  upliftable 
forth  of  a  piece  of  ground  lying  on  the  north  side  of  the 
Canongate  at  the  foot  of  Tolbooth  Wynd,  with  a  work 
house  built  thereon  as  presently  possessed  by  Mr 
William  Ballaway,  Japanner." 

This  William  was  the  first  in  Edinburgh  to  introduce 
the  art  of  japanning,  and  from  about  1780  up  to  1800 
had  the  monopoly  of  the  manufacture  in  the  district. 
It  is  highly  probable  that  he  was  also  the  designer  and 
draughtsman  of  a  number  of  these  painted  dials  as  the 
following  seems  to  imply  : — 

"JAPANNING. — William  Ballaway  returns  his  grate- 
ful acknowledgments  to  such  as  have  employed  him, 
and  solicits  a  continuance  of  their  favours.  He  has 
taken  in  partnership  his  son,  who  has  been  in  London 
and  Birmingham  for  the  improvement  of  that  art. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  101 

Informs  their  employers  that  he  has  prjocuted  the  secret 
of  inlaying  stove  fronts,  dressing-causes,  candlesticks^  etc.^ 
which  is  a  thing  never  attempted. -here, be fore.:  r^Ve- 
merchants  in  that  line  must  see  the  utility  of  such  an 
art  as  they  can  have  whatever  pattern  executed  in  less 
time  than  they  could  bring  them  from  London.  There 
tortoiseshell  and  Pontipool  work  exceeds  every  thing  of 
the  kind  attempted  here  both  for  beauty  in  varnish  and 
regularity  in  striping. 

"  W.  D.  &  Son  beg  leave  to  mention  that  they  have 
greatly  enlarged  their  shops  for  the  carrying  on  the 
chair  japanning  and  that  they  have  procured  some  of 
the  finest  varnishes  for  wood.  They  have  a  varnish  for 
mahogany  tables  and  tea-trays  that  will  not  fly  although 
ever  so  hardly  handled.  W.  D.  &  Son  flatter  them- 
selves that  their  work  upon  trial  will  give  satisfaction. 
Commissions  from  the  country  carefully  executed.  W.  D. 
still  continues  to  teach  drawing  in  all  its  branches  as 
usual. — Foot  of  Tolbooth  Wynd,  Canongate." — Ibid.,  2nd 
February  1793. 

William  Dallaway  dying  after  this  date,  the  business 
became  known  as  H.  Dallaway  &  Son.  To  give  an 
idea  of  the  trade  they  carried  on,  an  advertisement 
from  the  same  newspaper,  and  dated  i8th  May  1797, 
follows : — 

"H.  Dallaway  &  Son,  Japan  Manufactory,  North 
Back  of  Canongate,  Edinburgh. 

"  H.  D.  &  Son  return  their  grateful  acknowledgments 
for  past  favours.  They  beg  leave  to  inform  their  friends 
and  the  public  that  they  have  on  hand  a  complete 
assortment  of  the  following  articles  which  they  continue 
to  sell  Wholesale,  Retail,  and  for  Exportation  : — 

"Japanned  Fire  Screens  of  black  iron,  a  capital 
invention,  and  for  elegance  and  neatness  nothing  can 
excel  them ;  Clock  Dials,  a  fine  collection ;  Tea  Trays, 
Waiters,  Candlesticks,  Snuffer  Stands,  Knife  Slips, 
Bread  Baskets. 

"  H.  D.  &  Son  cannot  let  slip  this  opportunity  of 
particularly  recommending  their  Tea  Trays,  Waiters,  etc., 
as  they  have  now  brought  them  to  that  perfection  as 
would  do  honour  to  an  English  Manufactory.  They 
flatter  themselves  that  from  their  perseverance  and 


102  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

r  attention'  they  still  will  merit  a  continuance  of  past 
favours.  Commissions  from  the  country  in  the 

^  Japanning  line. or  for  any  of  the  above  articles  will  be 
carefully  attended  to." 

How  long  after  this  date  the  Japanning  Manufactory 
was  carried  on  we  have  been  unable  to  discover,  but 
another  brother  named  Patrick  Dallaway  opened  an 
ironmonger's  business  in  the  High  Street  about  1807, 
which,  as  the  following  correspondence  shows,  was  in 
active  existence  at  that  date.  We  may  be  pardoned  for 
bringing  this  brother's  name  into  our  lists,  seeing  he  is 
in  no  way  entitled  to  be  classed  as  a  clockmaker,  but  it 
is  given  chiefly  to  bring  out  the  arbitrary  manner  which 
the  Hammermen  of  Edinburgh  adopted  in  coercing  a 
citizen  whose  only  fault  was  that  he  dared  to  open  a 
shop  within  their  jurisdiction  without  first  joining  the 
Incorporation.  The  correspondence  from  their  Records 
here  given  shows  the  jealousy  that  existed  even  as  late 
as  the  nineteenth  century  among  the  trade  burgesses  of 
Edinburgh. 

2$th  July  1809. — "Remitted  the  case  of  Patrick 
Dallaway,  stated  to  be  guilty  of  an  encroachment,  to 
the  quartermaster  to  call  him  to  account,  and  with 
powers  to  proceed  against  him  if  he  does  not  give  them 
satisfaction." 

^th  November  1809. — "William  Lochart,  from  the 
Quartermaster's,  reported  that  they  had  waited  on 
Mr  Dallaway  relative  to  the  encroachment  made  by  him 
on  the  rights  of  the  Incorporation,  but  had  received  no 
satisfaction  nor  had  he  thought  proper  to  return  any 
answer  to  a  letter  written  to  him  on  the  subject.  It 
was  agreed,  however,  to  delay  any  proceedings  against 
him  until  next  quarter,  and  direct  intimation  to  be  made 
to  him  that  if  he  fails  to  enter  with  the  Incorporation 
against  that  time,  that  they  will  direct  he  to  be 
prosecuted." 

2nd  April  1910. — "Letter  from  P.  Dallaway,  which 
was  received  previous  to  the  meeting  of  the  3rd  February, 
but  wants  a  date. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  103 

"  To  the  Deacon  and  Incorporation  of  Hammermen 
of  Edinburgh : — 

"GENTLEMEN, — On  the  22nd  instant  I  received  a 
letter  from  your  clerk,  Mr  C.  Cunningham,  informing 
me  unless  I  entered  with  the  trade  at  first  meeting  a 
prosecution  would  be  commenced  against  me  under  a 
pretence  that  I  was  infringing  on  their  rights.  I  have 
to  inform  you  I  do  no  more  than  the  Greenside 
Company  and  not  so  much  as  Mr  Thomson.  Notwith- 
standing this,  I  mean  to  settle  with  the  Incorporation  of 
Hammermen  in  an  amicable  manner.  I  now  make  an 
offer  of  the  sum  that  was  paid  by  Mr  Sanderson  to  be 
allowed  the  privilege  of  keeping  warehouse  within  the 
city.  At  present  I  do  not ;  I  only  exercise  the  pro- 
fession of  a  merchant.  The  few  articles  that  are 
manufactured  by  William  Dallaway  &  Son  in  the 
Canongate,  and  the  small  quantity  that  is  bought  by 
me  from  that  concern,  is  very  trifling  indeed.  Should 
my  offer  not  be  accepted  I  have,  on  the  other  hand,  no 
objection  to  become  bound  that  no  article  manufactured 
by  that  company  shall  be  sold  or  retailed  within  the 
city,  that  will  in  the  least  infringe  on  the  rights  and 
privileges  of  the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen.  I 
have  also  to  observe  that  there  is  not  an  article  that  is 
manufactured  by  that  concern  that  is  not  as  regularly 
paid  for  as  if  it  had  been  brought  1000  miles  distant, 
and  really,  considering  that  I  am  no  Hammerman  bred, 
and  as  you  have  already  a  precedent  in  your  books, 
wherein  you  have  admitted  the  exercise  of  the  trade  to 
an  individual  without  granting  the  rights  or  privileges 
of  the  chapel,  or  anything  that  may  belong  to  the 
Incorporation,  except  the  free  exercise  of  his  business 
within  the  city.  In  Mary's  Chapel  there  are  several 
instances  of  the  same  nature.  Some  time  ago  I 
mentioned  to  Messrs  Smith  and  Lochart  that  I  was 
willing  to  submit  my  case  to  arbitration,  but  to  this 
I  never  received  an  answer,  but  peremptorily  demanding 
me  to  enter  without  ever  convincing  or  instructing  why 
I  should  do  so. 

"  I  think  after  making  this  offer  my  case  might  be 


104  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

seriously  considered,  and  I  make  no  doubt  all  of  you 
will  be  convinced  of  the  fairness  of  my  conduct  towards 
the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen. 

"  Your  accepting  of  my  offer  will  much  oblige,  etc., 

"  P.  BALL  AWAY." 

2nd  April  1810. — "Which  letter  and  the  proposition 
therein  contained  having  been  fully  considered  by  the 
committee,  they  are  of  opinion  that  the  terms  he  offers 
ought  not  to  be  accepted  of.  But  if  Mr  Dallaway  shall, 
at  or  before  the  term  of  Whitsunday  next,  pay  to  the 
treasurer  the  sum  of  ^35,  they  would  propose  that  he 
shall  be  allowed  twelve  months  more  to  consider  whether 
he  will  pay  the  other  ^"35,  make  an  essay  and  become 
a  member,  or  pay  only  £15  more,  for  which  sum  of  ^50 
he  should  have  the  privilege  of  carrying  on  the  tinsmith 
art  within  the  city,  but  to  have  no  title  or  interest  in  the 
other  rights  and  privileges  of  the  Incorporation." 

22nd  May  1810. — "The  committee  having  recon- 
sidered their  former  report  in  terms  of  the  minute  from 
last  quarter  meeting,  are  of  opinion  that  although  in 
general  a  less  sum  than  £50  should  not  be  taken  for 
allowing  any  person  to  practise  an  art  which  interferes 
with  the  privileges  of  this  Incorporation,  yet  as  the 
father  of  Mr  Dallaway  had  introduced  the  Art  of 
Japanning  into  this  quarter,  which  had  turned  out  to  be 
beneficial  to  the  trade  of  the  country,  they  therefore 
recommend  that  out  of  respect  to  his  memory  his 
son  should  be  allowed  to  carry  on  the  tinsmith  trade 
within  the  city  for  the  sum  of  forty  pounds  during  his 
life,  but  to  enjoy  no  other  privileges  belonging  to  the 
Incorporation,  and  for  the  same  reason  if  Mr  Dallaway 
prefers  entering  with  the  Incorporation,  and  being 
admitted  in  common  form,  that  he  should  be  received 
upon  paying  sixty  pounds  sterling." 

"  Letter  read  from  P.  Dallaway,  dated  2Qth  November 
1810,  on  2nd  February  1811  : — 

"  In  answer  to  yours  of  the  3rd,  enclosing  an  extract 
of  the  Hammermen  of  Edinburgh,  I  have,  in  the  first 
place,  to  return  them  my  most  respectful  compliments 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  105 

for  the  very  handsome  manner  they  have  offered  me 
to  become  a  member  of  their  Incorporation,  on  account 
of  my  father  having  introduced  the  japanning  trade, 
and,  believe  me,  nothing  would  have  given  me  more 
pleasure  than  to  have  become  a  full  member  of  so 
respectable  a  body.  But  from  the  death  of  my  father, 
I  find  I  cannot  carry  on  the  ironmongery  business  and 
follow  the  japanning  also ;  therefore  I  must  relinquish 
one  of  them.  I  have  now  come  to  the  resolution  of 
giving  up  the  said  ironmongery  and  mean  to  devote  my 
attention  to  my  manufactory.  I  trust  this  will  be  a 
sufficient  apology  to  the  Incorporation  for  my  not 
entering  \vith  them,  and  I  am,  with  gratitude,  your  most 
obedient  servant,  P.  DALLAWAY." 

(Same  date). — ".And  the  meeting  having  considered 
the  same,  are  of  opinion  that  as  he  has  carried  on 
business  for  two  years,  that  the  treasurer  should  apply 
to  him  for  eight  guineas  as  Stallanger's  fees  to  the  term 
of  Whitsunday  next." 

^rd  August  1811. — "Read  letter  from  P.  Dallaway 
and  direct  the  clerk  to  write  him  and  insist  for  payment 
of  £8,  8s.  as  a  Stallanger  fee  to  Whitsunday  last, 
acquainting  him  at  same  time  that  unless  he  come 
forward  to  enter  with  the  Incorporation  or  remove  his 
shop  between  Wrhitsunday  and  Martinmas  next  that  the 
prosecution  will  be  proceeded  in,  and  the  clerk  is 
authorized  accordingly." 

2nd  November  1811. — "Patrick  Dallaway  compeared 
on  this  date,  and  presented  a  petition  craving  to  be 
admitted  a  freeman  tinsmith  for  payment  of  sixty 
pounds,  as  fixed  by  minute  of  the  Incorporation,  dated 
22nd  May  1810;  and  the  prayer  thereof  being  granted, 
it  was  agreed  that  the  eight  guineas  already  paid  by 
Mr  Dallaway  of  Stallanger  fees  should  be  allowed  out 
of  the  first  moiety  of  his  entry  money.  He  accordingly 
paid  the  treasurer  £21,  I2s.,  and  was  appointed  to 
produce  his  essay  at  the  next  quarter." 

ist  February  1812. — "Compeared  and  produced  his 
essay,  a  drainer,  begun,  made,  and  finished  in  his  own 


106  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

shop  in  presence  of  Adam  Anderson,  landlord,  and 
John  Steel  and  Robert  White,  essay  masters,  as  they 
declared.  He  paid  the  treasurer  thirty  pounds,  being 
the  second  moiety  of  his  entry  money,  and  was  accord- 
ingly admitted." 

DALRYMPLE,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1781. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Robert  Aitchison,  Edinburgh, 
3rd  November  1781. 

DALZEIL,  JAMES.     Fraserburgh,  1798-1815. 

DANKS,  -    — .     Watch  Case  Maker,  Edinburgh,  1819-35. 
84  High  Street,  1819;   I  Carrubber's  Close,  1835. 

DARLING,   ROBERT.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,    1788-1825; 
4  West  Richmond  Street,  1825. 

DARLING,  ROBERT.     Haddington,  1796. 

DARLING,  ROBERT.     Lauder,  1797. 

DAVIDSON,  ANDREW.     George  Street,  Stranraer,  1820. 

DAVIDSON, .     Dunse,  1808. 

"CURIOUS  FIND  IN  A  CLOCK. — A  curious  find  was 
made  the  other  day  in  the  works  of  the  old  clock,  which 
for  many  years  was  in  the  '  briest  o'  the  laft,'  or  perhaps 
nowadays  more  intelligibly  the  front  of  the  gallery,  in 
the  old  Free  Church,  Newton  Port.  When,  more  than 
twenty  years  ago,  the  church  was  deserted  for  the  new 
St  John's  Church  at  the  West  Port,  the  clock  was 
removed,  on  instructions,  by  Mr  D.  M.  Rose,  Market 
Street.  The  old  recorder  of  time,  which  had  served  its 
day  and  generation  well,  was  of  no  use,  but  it  lay 
unbroken-up  till  a  few  days  ago.  It  was  believed  to 
have  been  made  by  a  Haddington  clockmaker,  but 
strangely  enough,  this  point  was  settled  in  its  hour 
of  dissolution.  On  opening  what  is  known  as  the 
'  barrel '  of  the  works,  Mr  Rose  found  a  small  bit  of 
old-fashioned  hand-made  paper,  bearing  on  both  sides 
faded  writing.  The  paper  is  about  3^  inches  by  2\ 
inches.  The  writer  has  been  somewhat  illiterate.  The 
following,  as  closely  as  the  writing  can  be  made  out, 
is  an  exact  copy: — 'Dunse,  May  6,  1808. —  I  can't  say 
when  this  is  putin  in,  but  Lord  knows  when  it  will 
be  taken  out  again  we'll  (the  two  ll's  are  somewhat 
scratched  out)  will  be  all  Dead  and  rotten  be  that  time. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  107 

James  Gray,  Boren  in  Blincarne  (or  Blinearne),  Aged 
22  years,  prentice  to  Mr  Davidson,  Dunse,  May  6th 
1808,  Mr  Davidson's  Shop.  With  the  jornaman  and 
prentices  Names.  James  Davidson,  son  to  Billie  ;  Thos. 
Gray,  prentice  ;  Jno.  Paxton,  pre.  ;  Jas.  Atkinson,  jor.  ; 
Wm.  Walker  (or  Walter),  jor.  ;  James  Gray,  prens.  ; 
Thos.  McGregor,  prs.  ;  Alexr.  McGregor,  Maker,  jornn. 
Mr  A.  McGregor  going  to  Yenmouth'  (word  doubtful). 
Apparently  the  word  'can't'  in  the  opening  line  was 
meant  to  be  'can';  'pre'  means  'prentice';  and  'jor,' 
'journeyman.'  Almost  to  a  day  the  paper  lay  in  its 
hiding-place  for  108  years.  The  writer,  Thomas  Gray, 
must  have  been  born  in  1786,  the  year  when  Robert 
Burns  first  published  his  poems."  —  Haddington  Courier, 
May  1916. 


DAVIDSON,  CHARLES.    Forfar,  1798-1815. 
DAVIDSON,  JAMES.     Dunbar,  1813-37. 
DAVIDSON,  JAMES.     Old  Deer,  Aberdeenshire,  1836. 
DAVIDSON,  JAMES.     High  Street,  Girvan,  1820-37. 
DAVIDSON,  JOHN.     21  Oxford  Street,  Glasgow,  1836. 
DAVIDSON,  JOHN.     Wick,  1892.     Page  26. 
DAVIDSON,  NEAN.     Dunse,  1798-1820. 
DAVIDSON,  ROBERT.     Lerwick,  Shetland,  1836. 

DAVIE,  CHRISTOPHER.     Linlithgow,  1783-1832. 

Son  of  below,  and  for  many  years  Dean  of  Guild 
of  Linlithgow. 

DAVIE,    JOHN.      Linlithgow,     1753-84.       See    notes     on 
Linlithgow  Town  Clocks. 

"James  Bryce,  flaxdresser  in  Linlithgow,  married 
Margaret,  daughter  of  John  Davie,  watchmaker  there, 
29th  April  1778."  —  Edinburgh  Marriage  Register. 

DAWSON,  DAVID.     Tarbolton,  1837. 

DAWSON,  MATTHEW.     Haddington,  1798-1843. 

DEAN,  THOMAS.     25  New  Bridge  Street,  Glasgow,  1841. 

DEANS,  JOHN.     Haddington,  1803. 

DEVERLEY,  HUGH.     232  High  Street,  Perth,  1843. 


108  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

DEVLIN,  PATRICK.     Greenock,  1840. 

"  On  Friday  night  or  Saturday  morning  the  shop  of 
Mr  Patrick  Devlin,  watchmaker,  situated  in  William 
Street,  Greenock,  was  entered  by  thieves,  and  no  fewer 
than  sixty-four  watches,  seven  of  them  which  were  of 
gold,  carried  off,  besides  a  quantity  of  jewellery,  the 
extent  of  which  has  not  yet  been  ascertained.  There 
were  also  taken  three  American  eagles  (gold),  one  old 
guinea,  a  sovereign  and  a  half,  and  about  thirty  ounces 
of  dollars  and  old  coins.  The  value  of  the  watches 
alone  is  about  £500.  No  trace  of  the  thieves  had  been 
obtained  up  to  Saturday  night. 

"  We  noted  some  time  ago  that  a  jeweller's  shop  was 
broken  into  in  Greenock  and  gold  and  silver  watches 
carried  away  to  the  value  of  £500.  In  consequence  of 
information  communicated  to  the  Carlisle  Police,  they 
succeeded  in  taking  into  custody  a  broker  from  Glasgow 
who  was  attempting  to  dispose  of  some  of  the  stolen 
watches.  Upwards  of  twenty  were  found  in  his  possession, 
and  the  prisoner  and  property  were  brought  to  Glasgow 
by  Mr  Mann,  Superintendent  of  the  Greenock  Police." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Post,  nth  and  25th  July  1848. 

DEWAR,  DAVID.     West  Street,  Doune,  1837. 

DICK,  JAMES.     Ayr;  died  nth  June  1800. 

DICK,  ROBERT.     Dailly,  Ayrshire,  1850. 

DICK,  WILLIAM.     96  Jamaica  Street,  Glasgow,  1841. 

DICKIE,  ALEXANDER.     Edinburgh,  1762-1808. 

"  Bound  apprentice  to  Daniel  Binny,  watch  and  clock 
maker,  2Oth  June  1762.  Discharged  of  his  indentures 
on  26th  December  1769.  Compeared  on  26th  December 
1776,  and  presented  a  bill  craving  to  be  admitted  a 
freeman  clock  and  watch  maker." 

^rd  May  1777 — "Compeared  and  produced  his 
essay,  being  a  watch  movement  begun  and  finished  in 
his  own  shop,  in  presence  of  Robert  Clidsdale,  landlord, 
John  Skirving,  Thomas  Morgan,  and  Thomas  Sibbald, 
essay  masters  as  they  declared,  etc." — E.  H.  Records. 

"  Lost  this  morning  in  the  town  of  Leith  or  on  the 
pier,  a  gold  chased  watch,  No.  219,  maker's  name, 
Thomas  Harvey,  London.  Whoever  has  found  the 
said  watch  and  will  remit  it  to  Mr  Dickie,  watchmaker, 


BRACKET  CHIMING  CLOCK, 

In  walnut  case,  with  ormolu  mountings.       By  Alexander  Dickie,  Edinburgh, 
1762-1808.     The  property  of  the  Bank  of  Scotland,  Edinburgh. 


[To  face  page  108. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  109 

Bridge  Street,  or  the  publisher  of  this  paper  shall  be 
handsomely  rewarded." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant^ 
1 8th  August  1781. 

In  all  probability  this  is  the  same  individual  who 
was  in  partnership  with  Laurence  Dalgleish.  See  page 
99.  A  beautiful  bracket  clock  of  his  production  is  now 
located  in  the  Bank  of  Scotland,  Edinburgh.  See 
illustration. 

DICKIE,  ANDREW.     Edinburgh,  1736-52. 

gtk  January  1736. — "  The  committee  having  taken  into 
their  consideration  the  possibility  of  admitting  strangers 
to  be  freemen,  it  being  a  tender  point  to  the  generality 
of  the  arts  to  determine  that  point  absolutely  at  present, 
but  leaves  it  to  the  consideration  of  the  particular 
art  when  application  is  made  to  them  upon  that  account. 
And  as  to  giving  an  answer  to  Mr  Dickie's  letter,  they 
upon  desire  of  clockmakers  present,  delay  giving  their 
opinion  till  the  clockmakers  meet  with  Mr  Dickie  this 
night,  and  give  in  their  report  after  they  have  communed 
with  Mr  Dickie  against  to-morrow  morning." 

10th  January  1736. — "The  house  having  met,  the 
Deacon  reporting  from  the  meeting  of  the  clockmakers 
that  they  were  willing  to  receive  Mr  Dickie  in  the  terms 
of  his  letter,  John  Brown,  clockmaker,  protested  that  in 
case  this  house  is  not  able  to  protect  the  clockmaker's 
art  in  their  privileges  against  any  stranger,  the  house 
shall  be  obliged  not  only  to  refund  the  money  paid  by 
Mr  Dickie  but  also  what  money  has  been  paid  by  any  of 
the  art,  to  whom  Patrick  Gordon,  Alexander  Brand,  and 
Hugh  Barclay  adhered." 

(Same  date). — "The  Incorporation  having  considered 
the  letter  from  Andrew  Dickie,  clockmaker,  craving  to 
be  admitted  a  freeman  clockmaker  upon  his  paying 
Thirty  pounds  Sterling,  providing  the  Incorporation 
will  provide  him  his  burgess-ship  and  free  him  of 
all  the  expenses  of  getting  it,  and  also  the  report  from 
the  clockmakers  of  their  being  willing  and  consenting 
to  his  being  admitted  on  these  terms,  the  house 
unanimously  agree  to  receive  him  upon  these  terms 


110  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

and  recommend  to  the  Deacon  to  get  him  made  burgess 
as  easy  as  possible." 

2%th  September  1736. — "  Compeared  and  presented 
his  essay,  viz.,  an  eight-days'  pendulum  clock,  which  was 
found  a  well  wrought  essay,  etc.,  and  therefore  they 
admitted  him  to  be  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker 
among  them.  His  essay  masters  were  John  Brown, 
clockmaker,  Alexander  Brand,  and  George  Aitken.  His 
essay  was  made  in  Hugh  Barclay's  shop.  He  paid  the 
.  boxmaster  Thirty  pounds  Sterling  for  his  upset,  and,  in 
token  of  his  consent  to  the  Incorporation's  Act,  had 
subscribed  their  presents.  Sic  subita,  Andw.  Dickie." 
— E.  H.  Records. 

"There  was  lost  on  Thursday, the  1 5th current,  at  the 
Head  of  the  Canongate,  a  watch  with  an  enamelled  dial 
plate  in  a  single  case  covered  with  Shagreen,  maker's 
name,  Etherington,  London,  No.  2090.  Any  person  who 
can  give  notice  thereof  are  desired  to  acquaint  Andrew 
Dickie,  watchmaker  in  Edinburgh,  and  they  shall  be 
handsomely  rewarded  and  no  questions  asked." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  3Oth  January  1750. 

"  There  was  lost  on  the  Qth  July  between  Bilston  and 
Papermill,  a  watch  in  a  gold  inner  case  and  enamelled 
dial,  its  outer  case  shagreen  of  a  green  colour  neatly 
studded,  within  which  case  is  an  Equation  table  with 
the  following  direction  on  it :  '  Andrew  Dickie,  at  the 
Blackmoor  Head  and  Star,  in  West  Smithfield,  London.' 
Whoever  has  found  the  same  and  will  bring  it  entire  to 
Mr  Andrew  Dickie,  watchmaker,  Edinburgh,  shall  have 
3  guineas  reward." — Caledonian  Mercury,  1 5th  July  1755. 

As  will  be  seen  by  the  above  minutes  from  the 
Hammermen's  Records,  no  information  is  to  be  found 
where  this  maker  came  from.  It  is  clear  from  the 
comparative  easy  manner  he  gained  admission  into  the 
Incorporation  that  his  credentials  and  skill  were  of  a 
high  order,  a  fact  brought  out  by  reference  to  the  notes 
on  Dunfermline  Town  Clocks,  page  128,  where  he  was 
selected  to  make  and  fit  up  a  new  clock  for  the  Kirk 
Steeple  in  1743-45-  He  was  in  business  at  Wilson's 
Land,  Lawnmarket,  Edinburgh,  which  he  occupied  till 
1765,  the  year  of  his  death  ;  his  nephew,  Daniel  Binny 
(q.v.),  succeeding  to  his  business  at  that  date. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  111 

DICKIE,  ANDREW.     Dunfermline,  1752. 

In   Henderson's  Annals  of  Dunfermline  it   is  stated 
that  one  Andrew  Dickie  was  the  first  clockmaker   to 
commence  business  in  that  town. 
DICKIE,  ANDREW.     Stirling,  1723-39. 
DICKIE,  WILLIAM.     Dunfermline,  1780. 

"  A  WATCH  STOLEN. — There  was  stolen  within  these 
few  days  from  a  house  in  the  town  of  Dunfermline,  a 
silver  watch  with  an  enamelled  dial  plate,  maker's  name, 
David  Hastings,  Alnwick,  No.  150.  Any  person  who 
will  bring  the  same  or  give  information  as  shall  lead  to 
the  recovery  of  it  to  Mr  William  Dickie,  watchmaker, 
Dunfermline,  or  to  the  publisher  of  this  paper  will  be 
handsomely  rewarded." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant, 
27th  September  1780. 
DICKMAN,  JOHN.  Leith,  1800-50. 

Bernard  Street,  1800;  36  Shore,  1825;  4  Charlotte 
Place,  1850. 
DICKMAN,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1842. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Royal  Society  of  Arts  held  on 
1 2th    December   1842,  a  timepiece  constructed  on   the 
principle   of  the  rotary   pendulum  without  an  escape- 
ment was  exhibited  by  Mr  John  Dickman,  chronometer, 
watch,  and  clock  maker,  142  George  Street,  Edinburgh. 
DICKSON,  CHARLES.     Dundee,  1722. 
DICKSON,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1790. 

Apprenticed  to  Laurence  Dalgleish,  loth  February 
1790. 

DIXON,  THOMAS.     High  Street,  Haddington,  1837. 
DOBBIE,  ANDREW.    Glasgow,  1820-48. 

"Serious  Riot  in  Glasgow  on  Monday,  5th  March 
1848.  Mob  attacked  the  shop  of  Mr  Dobbie,  Clyde 
Place,  watchmaker,  and  presented  a  pistol  at  the  head 
of  the  shop  boy,  threatening  to  shoot  him  if  he  dared 
to  offer  any  resistance.  They  then  proceeded  to  rifle 
the  shop  of  the  gold  and  silver  watches  it  contained  ; 
some  of  the  marauders  were  observed  running  out  of 
the  shop  with  their  pockets  full  of  watches.  Mr  Dobbie 
himself  was  wounded  in  defending  his  property." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant^  March  1848. 

DOBBIE,  GEORGE.     High  Street,  Falkirk,  1821-50. 


112  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

DOBBIE,  JOHN.     Prestonpans,  1820. 

DOBBIE,  JOHN.     275  High  Street,  Glasgow,  1802-26. 

"  Watch  lost  about  a  month  ago  in  the  village  of 
Milngavie,  a  silver  watch  with  concrete  seconds,  silver 
caped  stop  point  broken,  maker's  name,  C.  Davidson, 
London,  No.  6098,  both  upon  the  cape  and  work.  Those 
who  have  the  said  watch  and  will  return  it  to  Mr  John 
Dobbie,  watchmaker,  High  Street,  Glasgow,  will  receive 
a  genteel  reward." — Glasgow  Courier^  23rd  October  1802. 

DOBBIE,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1783. 

DOBBIE,  THOMAS.     51  Adelphi  Street,  Glasgow,  1828-48. 

DOBBIE,  WILLIAM.     Falkirk,  1768. 

"  Lost  or  stolen  betwixt  Falkirk  and  Carron  works, 
a  silver  watch  with  a  brass  pendant,  bow  and  stud,  and 
a  silver  face,  maker's  name,  Phillips,  London,  number 
not  known.  If  the  said  watch  come  to  any  watchmaker 
or  merchant's  hand,  they  will  please  stop  the  same,  and 
write  to  William  Dobbie,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker, 
Falkirk.  If  any  person  delivers  it  to  the  said  William' 
Dobbie,  they  will  be  sufficiently  rewarded." — Caledonian 
Mercury ',  I7th  September  1768. 

"  John  Bowie,  malster,  St  Giles  Parish,  married 
Eupham,  daughter  to  the  deceased  William  Dobbie, 
watchmaker,  Falkirk,  i8th  Deer.  1783." — Edinburgh 
Marriage  Register. 

DOBBIE,  WILLIAM.     Falkirk,  1821-45. 
Probably  son  of  above. 

"  Watchmaker  and  Jeweller  and  Clockmaker  to  the 
Queen,  opposite  to  the  Steeple,  High  Street,  Falkirk, 
respectfully  announces  that  he  has  just  got  to  hand  a 
large  assortment  of  Gold  and  Silver  patent  lever  and 
other  watches,  and  has  much  pleasure  in  recommending 
them  to  the  public,  feeling  assured  that  he  never  had  it 
in  his  power  to  supply  them  with  watches  of  such 
superior  quality  at  the  same  moderate  prices. 

"  His  stock  of  warranted  eight-day  clocks  being 
made  under  his  own  inspection,  they  are  of  the  best 
workmanship  and  just  such  as  were  made  by  his  fore- 
fathers. W.  D.  has  just  completed  two  of  Russell's 
splendid  and  celebrated  royal  Barometers  (now  scarce), 
warranted  identical  with  those  made  by  the  original 
constructor.  The  dial  presents  two  indexes,  the  one 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  113 

*  of  common  range  and  the  other  indicating  the  thousands 
of  an  inch  in  the  rise  or  fall  of  the  Mercury. 

"  Mr  Russell  had  the  honour  of  presenting  one  of 
these  barometers  to  his  late  Majesty,  George  the  Third, 
and  another  to  the  then  Prince  of  Wales,  who  were  both 
pleased  to  express  their  approbation  of  them." — Alloa 
Monthly  Advertiser^  7th  February  1845. 

DODS,  ANDREW.    Selkirk,  about  1785. 

DOIG,  ALEXANDER.    6  Ann  Street,  Edinburgh,  1811. 

DOIG,  ALEXANDER.    Musselburgh,  1814-36. 

"  SOCIETY  OF  ARTS  FOR  SCOTLAND. — Prize  gained 
and  presented  to  Mr  Alexander  Doig,  watchmaker, 
Musselburgh,  the  Society's  Silver  Medal,  value  £5,  55 , 
for  his  description  of  the  model  of  a  clock  pendulum 
without  the  crutch. 

'''Note. — The  great  perfection  to  which  the  art  of 
clockmaking  is  carried  renders  any  attempt  at  a  further 
improvement  both  extremely  difficult  and  highly 
interesting,  and  it  is  thus  peculiarly  the  province  of  the 
Society  to  encourage  any  contrivance  for  obviating  a 
known  difficulty." 

DOIG,    WILLIAM.      Polmont,    1825;    clockface    in    Grand 

Lodge  Museum,  Edinburgh. 
DON,  GEORGE.  Glasgow,  1804. 
DONALD,  JAMES.  Edinburgh,  1815. 

Apprenticed  to  Robert  Bryson,  4th  November  1815. 
DONALD,  WILLIAM.     Rhynie,  Aberdeenshire,  1837. 
DONALDSON,  ANDREW.     25  High  Street,  Airdrie,  1836. 
DONALDSON,   DAVID.     4   Dairy mple   Place,  Edinburgh, 

1822. 

DONALDSON,  JAMES.     Meigle,  1837. 
DONALDSON,  JOHN.     48  Glassford  Street,  Glasgow,  1839. 
DOUGAL,  ALEXANDER.     Strathaven,  1836. 
DOUGAL,  ALEXANDER.     Trongate,  Glasgow,  1846. 
DOUGAL,   GEORGE.      78    Candlemaker    Row,   Edinburgh, 

1819. 

DOUGAL,  JOHN.     Kippen,  1836. 
DOUGAL,  -    — .     Brunswick  Street,  Glasgow,  1849. 
DOUGLAS,  ALEXANDER.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1817. 

H 


114  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

DOUGLAS,  GEORGE.     Holytown,  1847. 
DOUGLAS,  GEORGE.     Bonhill,  1837. 
DOUGLAS,  JAMES.     Dundee,  1794. 
DOUGLAS,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1759. 

Son    of    Alexander    Douglas,    Edinburgh ;    booked 
apprentice  to  William  Nicol,  24th  February  1759. 
DOUGLAS,  JAMES.     65  Gallowgate,  Glasgow,  1841. 
DOUGLAS,  JOHN.     Dumbarton,  1824. 
DOUGLAS,  WALTER.     Dollar,  1795. 
DOUGLAS,  WALTER.     Douglas,  1820. 
DOUGLAS,  WALTER.     Polwhat  Street,  Galston,  1837. 
DOUGLAS  &  SON.     Greenock,  1842. 
DOUGLASS,  ALEXANDER.     Bowmore,  Islay,  1837. 
DOW,  ANDREW.     22  Argyle  Street,  Glasgow,  1837. 
DOW,  JOHN.     132  Trongate,  Glasgow,  1837. 
DOWNIE,  DAVID.     Edinburgh,  1812. 

ist  October  1812. — "  Compeared  and  presented  his 
petition  craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman  in  right  of 
his  father,  William  Downie  (q.v.),  late  clock  and  watch 
maker  in  Edinburgh  and  member  of  the  Incorporation. 
Petition  granted,  and  he  paid  the  treasurer  six  pounds 
sterling." 

$ist  October  1812. — "Compeared  and  produced  his 
essay,  being  a  clock  movement,  begun,  made,  and  finished 
in  the  shop  of  George  Skelton,  landlord,  in  presence  of 
James  Ramage  and  Andrew  Wilson,  essay  masters  as 
they  declared." — E.  H.  Records. 

DOWNIE,  JOHN.     About  Edinburgh,  1745.     See   William 
Downie. 

DOWNIE,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1745-76. 

"  Son  to  John  Downie,  watchmaker,  about  Edinburgh  ; 
booked  apprentice  to  James  Geddes,  watchmaker,  2nd 
February  1745.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  on  the 
7th  February  1756  by  the  Incorporation,  owing  to  the 
death  of  James  Geddes." 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  115 

2nd  November  1765. — "Presented  a  bill  for  being 
admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker,  which  was 
received,  and  he  appointed  to  give  in  an  essay,  being  a 
spring  clock  to  be  made  and  finished  in  his  own  shop, 
and  to  be  presented  between  and  Whitsunday  next 
—William  Nicol,  landlord,  James  Duff,  Normand 
Macpherson,  and  William  Richardson,  essay  masters. 
He  made  payment  of  Five  pounds  to  the  treasurer  as 
the  half  of  his  upset." 

$rd  May  1766. — "Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay  as  above." — E.  H.  Records. 

"  Lost  on  Saturday  night,  the  28th  instant,  betwixt 
Heriot's  Hospital  and  Blackfriar's  Wynd,  a  watch  with 
a  gold  inside  case  and  a  pinchbeck  gilt  outside  case,  a 
steel  chain,  and  gold  seal  key.  If  the  same  comes  to 
hand  acquaint  William  Downie,  watchmaker,  Lucken- 
booths,  who  will  give  a  handsome  reward." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  3Oth  January  1775. 

"  A  rouping  of  Clocks  and  Watches  and  Watchmakers' 
tools.  To  be  sold  upon  Wednesday  the  ipth  of  March 
1777,  at  the  house  of  Mrs  Downie,  Gavenlock's  Land, 
head  of  the  Luckenbooths,  Edinburgh,  the  whole  stock 
in  trade  belonging  to  the  deceased  William  Downie, 
clock  and  watch  maker  in  Edinburgh,  consisting  of  a 
variety  of  both  new  and  second-hand  clocks  and  watches, 
as  also  the  whole  working  utensils  consisting  of  all 
sorts  of  watchmakers'  tools,  such  as  clock  and  watch 
engines,  vices,  turn-benches,  etc." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  I2th  March  1777. 

In  1794  Mrs  Downie  issued  an  advertisement  about 
a  lottery  of  a  musical  clock  made  by  her  late  husband, 
which  is  interesting.  The  description  affords  a  good 
idea  of  the  capabilities  of  William  Downie  as  a 
craftsman. 

"  Lottery  of  a  musical  eight-day  clock,  the  property 
of  Mrs  Downie,  widow  of  the  late  William  Downie, 
clock  and  watch  maker  in  Edinburgh,  under  whose 
immediate  inspection  the  clock  was  made,  and  is  one 
of  the  most  complete  pieces  of  mechanism  of  its  kind 
ever  produced.  It  has  dead  seconds  from  the  centre, 
moon's  age,  and  a  tide  table.  It  chimes  nine  tunes 


116  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

upon  eighteen  bells  and  is  in  the  most  perfect  order, 
having  only  been  set  agoing  within  these  few  months, 
and  was  valued  by  Mr  Downie  himself  at  forty  guineas, 
being  the  sum  now  fixed  for  it  by  issuing  eighty  tickets 
at  half  a  guinea  each. 

"  N.B. — The  clock  presently  stands  in  the  wareroom 
of  William  Lamb,  upholsterer.  The  number  of  tickets 
being  nearly  subscribed  for,  the  drawing  will  take  place 
on  Thursday,  22nd  January  1795.  It  is  hoped  those 
who  mean  to  adventure  will  apply  early." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  2Oth  December  1794. 

"VERY  VALUABLE  MUSICAL  CLOCK. — The  adven- 
turers in  the  Lottery  of  a  Musical  Clock  belonging  to 
Mrs  Downie  are  most  respectfully  acquainted  the  delay 
of  the  drawing  has  been  occasioned  by  some  tickets 
remaining  still  unsold  after  every  exertion  to  get  them 
disposed  of,  but  it  is  now  fixed  to  take  place  assuredly 
on  Tuesday,  I2th  January  current,  in  that  elegant  room 
in  Canongate,  known  by  the  name  of  St  John's  Chapel, 
at  12  o'clock  noon,  when  every  person  interested  is 
invited  to  attend.  The  clock  still  remains  in  the  ware- 
room  of  Mr  William  Lamb,  Upholsterer,  and  it  is  hoped 
the  few  remaining  tickets,  price  zos.  6d.,  will  be  sold  in 
the  interim  ;  at  same  time  the  holders  of  tickets  must 
observe  that  any  not  returned  before  Tuesday  will  be 
held  as  sold." — Ibid.,  9th  January  1796. 

<(  Mrs  Downie  begs  leave  to  return  her  very  grateful 
thanks  to  those  who  were  so  good  as  adventure  in  the 
lottery  of  her  valuable  musical  clock  (every  ticket 
having  been  sold)  to  acquaint  them  that  the  drawing 
took  place  agreeable  to  the  former  notice  on  Tuesday 
last,  when  number  forty-five  turned  up  the  fortunate 
number  entitled  to  the  clock,  the  holder  of  which,  upon 
presenting  the  ticket,  will  have  it  delivered,  and  it  is 
presumed  will  not  refuse  paying  the  expense  of  this 
notice." — Ibid.,  I4th  January  1796. 

William  Downie  admitted  a  member  of  Lodge 
St  David,  Edinburgh,  I5th  December  1767.  He,  along 
with  Samuel  Brown,  had  the  honour  of  his  name  being 
included  in  Gavin  Wilson's  "  New  Song  of  St  David's," 
as  follows  :— 

"There  you'll  hear  brother  Downie  sing 

Igo  and  ago. 

Ye  never  heard  a  better  thing, 
Irani  coram  dago." 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  117 

DRENEY,  SAMUEL.     Girvan,  Ayrshire,  1850. 

DRESCHAR    &    ROBOLD    (German).      2    New    Street, 
Paisley,   1836. 

DRUMMOND,  FRANCIS.     Shilling  Hill,  Alloa,  1837. 

DRUMMOND,  JOHN.     Brechin,  1789. 

Maker  of  the  new  clock  in  the  Town  Hall  there. 

DRUMMOND,  JOHN.     Rose  Street,  Edinburgh,  1794. 

DRYSDALE,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1742. 

Admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker,  Edin- 
burgh Hammermen,  7th  August  1742. 

DRYSDALE,    WALTER    SCOTT.      Greenside,    Edinburgh, 
1812-29. 

Son  of  William  Drysdale  (q.v.),  but  no  mention  of 
his  name  is  to  be  found  in  the  Hammermerfs  Records. 
The  same  year  that  his  father  adopted  him  as  partner 
he  retired  from  that  concern,  and  having  commenced 
business  in  Greenside  Place  in  1812,  he  advertises  that 
"  he  has  had  long  experience  in  London,  and  that  no 
apprentice  should  be  allowed  to  clean  and  repair 
watches,  and  that  it  will  be  a  great  pleasure  to  him  to 
serve  the  public  personally."  In  the  year  1818  he  had 
his  premises  entered  by  thieves  ;  the  story  and  its  sequel, 
as  reported  in  the  Edinburgh  Advertiser,  is  as  follows  : — 

"  Between  Saturday  night  and  Sunday  morning  the 
shop  of  Mr  Drysdale,  watchmaker  in  Greenside  Street, 
was  broken  into  by  cutting  the  window  shutters  with  a 
centre  bit.  Upwards  of  twenty  watches  were  stolen. 
Every  exertion  is  making  to  discover  the  depredators." 

"  The  perpetratprs  of  the  theft  of  watches  from  Mr 
Drysdale's  shop  in  Greenside  Place  were  discovered, 
and  prove  to  be  two  individuals  who  were  taken  into 
custody  the  day  after  the  shop  was  broke  into,  who  denied 
all  knowledge  of  the  transaction.  The  superintendent  of 
police  has  been  indefatigable  in  his  exertions  on  this 
occasion,  and  by  travelling  over  a  great  part  of 
Roxburghshire  has  accomplished  a  discovery  of  the 
stolen  watches  built  up  with  stone  and  lime  in  the  side 
of  a  kitchen  grate." 


118  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

"  Persons  of  the  name  of  Stewart,  who  keep  a  public 
house  in  the  Canongate,  and  who  have  been  long 
notorious  as  resetters  of  stolen  goods,  are  also  in  custody 
as  being  implicated  in  the  above  crime,  and  an  investiga- 
tion before  the  Sheriff  is  now  going  on." 

"  High  Court  of  Justiciary — Yesterday  came  on 
before  the  Court  of  Justiciary  the  trial  of  Catherine 
Stewart  or  Ferrier  and  Robert  Stewart,  both  lately 
residing  at  the  Russian  Tap  Room  in  the  Canongate, 
Edinburgh,  and  Margaret  Cowan,  lately  residing  in 
said  Russian  Tap  Room,  and  widow  of  the  deceased 
Thomas  Ferrier,  tacksman,  of  Melville  Muir  Colliery, 
charged  with  twelve  different  acts  of  reset  of  theft, 
aggravated  by  their  being  persons  habit  and  repute 
resetters  of  stolen  goods.  Margaret  Cowan  was  out- 
lawed for  not  appearing,  and  the  trial  proceeded  against 
Stewart  and  his  wife,  who  were  both  found  guilty  to 
seven  charges  in  the  indictment.  The  Court,  after  an 
impressive  address  from  the  Lord  Justice  Clerk, 
sentenced  the  prisoners  to  transportation  for  life."— 
Edinburgh  Advertiser ',  3rd- 1 3th  February  and  9th 
June,  1818. 

Walter  Scott  Drysdale  died  at  4  Lothian  Street, 
Edinburgh,  2;th  September  1829.  The  following  notice 
was  issued  by  his  widow  : — 

"  Mrs  W.  S.  Drysdale  begs  to  return  her  kindest 
thanks  for  the  patronage  her  lamented  husband  enjoyed 
for  so  many  years,  and  takes  the  liberty  to  intimate  that, 
having  resolved  upon  relinquishing  the  business,  she 
will,  on  Monday  first,  commence  a  sale  of  her  valuable 
stock,  consisting  of  clocks,  watches,  jewellery,  etc.,  at  such 
prices  as  will  make  it  an  object  to  the  purchaser,  more 
particularly  as  the  whole  must  be  cleared  before 
Martinmas.  All  accounts  or  debts  due  by  her  late 
husband  must  be  immediately  lodged,  and  all  accounts 
due  him  are  requested  to  be  settled  without  delay." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  loth  October  1829. 

DRYSDALE,  WILLIAM.     Lothian  Street,  Edinburgh,  1786- 
1823. 

tfh  November  1786. — "Appeared  and  presented  a 
petition  craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman  in  Ports- 
burgh." 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  119 

February  1800. — "The  Deacon  presented  a 
letter  from  William  Drysdale  craving  to  be  admitted 
a  freeman,  if  found  properly  qualified,  for  which  he  was 
willing  to  pay  £50  sterling.  The  request  was  granted, 
and  an  essay  and  essay  masters  appointed,  the  essay  to 
be  presented  between  and  Lammas.  He  paid  £25  as 
the  first  moiety  of  his  entry  money." 

2nd  August  1800. — "Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  clock  movement  begun  and  finished  in  his 
own  shop  in  presence  of  David  Murray,  landlord,  and 
James  Howden,  Robert  Hinmers,  and  Ebenezer  Annan, 
essay  masters  as  they  declared,  etc.  He  paid  £2$  as  the 
second  moiety  of  his  entry  money." — E.  H.  Records. 

"  W.  Drysdale,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker,  begs  leave  to 
acknowledge  with  peculiar  sensations  of  gratitude  the 
liberal  patronage  he  has  experienced  from  his  friends 
and  the  public,  and  to  acquaint  them  that  he  has 
removed  from  Bristo  Street  to  a  commodious  shop, 
south  end  of  the  Potterrow,  nearly  opposite  Crichton 
Street,  where  he  makes,  sells,  and  carefully  repairs  all 
sorts  of  Clocks  and  Watches,  of  which  he  has  on  hand  an 
elegant  assortment,  also  a  large  quantity  of  hardware 
with  a  variety  of  articles  too  tedious  to  mention. 

"  N.B. — Watch  glasses  put  in  at  threepence  each." 
—Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  i/th  April  1794. 

"  W.  Drysdale  begs  leave  to  inform  his  customers 
and  the  public  that  he  has  moved  from  the  Potterrow  to 
14  North  Bridge,  where  he  carries  on  the  watch  and 
clock  making  business  in  all  its  branches.  Has  always 
on  hand  an  elegant  assortment  of  Watches  and  Clocks." 
— Ibid.,  2nd  June  1800. 

"  William  Drysdale,  sen.,  begs  leave  to  acquaint  his 
numerous  customers  and  the  public  that  in  consequence 
of  his  son  Walter  having  separated  from  him  in 
December  last,  he  has  assumed  his  son  William  as  a 
partner  under  the  firm  of  Drysdale  and  Son.  His  son 
having  been  taught  by  and  practised  under  some  of  the 
most  eminent  workmen  in  England,  particularly  in 
manufacturing  lever  watches  and  others  of  the  first 
quality,  and  they  have  added  considerably  to  their 
former  stock,  particularly  lever  watches,  and  can  with 
confidence  recommend  them  to  the  Public.  Those  who 


120  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

honour  them  with  their  watches  to  repair  may  depend 
upon  the  utmost  attention  being  paid  as  they  do  them 
with  their  own  hands." — Ibid.,  7th  March  1812. 

"  William  Drysdale  begs  leave  to  announce  that  he 
retires  in  favour  of  his  son  Thomas,  who  is  an  excellent 
workman,  having  in  addition  to  his  father's  instruction 
had  for  some  time  the  benefit  of  working  in  the  shop  of 
one  of  the  first  watchmakers  in  London." — Ibid.,  2nd 
June  1823. 

These  advertisements,  affording  as  they  do  a  glimpse 
of  the  business  life  of  William  Drysdale,  yet  do  not 
show  all  sides  of  his  career.  That  his  fellow-citizens 
had  some  faith  in  his  other  capabilities  is  best  shown 
by  the  following  account  of  a  public  meeting  held  in 
Edinburgh  on  the  7th  December  1816.  This  meeting 
was  convened  in  order  that  steps  should  be  taken 
to  alleviate  the  suffering  caused  by  the  war  which 
culminated  in  the  victory  of  Waterloo,  1815. 

"  Meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  Edinburgh  held 
within  the  Parliament  House,  7th  December  1816. 

"  That  this  meeting,  deeply  sensible  of  the  pressure 
of  the  times  and  the  exemplary  manner  in  which  it  has 
been  borne  by  those  upon  whom  it  has  chiefly  fallen, 
resolve  that  a  subscription  shall  be  immediately  entered 
into  for  the  purpose  of  affording  relief  of  a  number  of 
artisans  and  labourers  in  this  city  and  immediate 
vicinity,  and  now  out  of  employment.  That  the 
following  gentlemen  be  appointed  a  committee  for 
superintending  the  application  of  the  money  subscribed, 
and  that  they  shall  be  authorised  to  adopt  such 
measures  as  shall  appear  to  them  most  expedient  for 
providing  suitable  employment  for  such  persons  belong- 
ing to  the  city  and  suburbs  as  are  able  to  work,  and  for 
administering  relief  to  those  who,  by  sickness  or 
infirmity,  are  unable  to  support  themselves.  A  large 
committee  appointed,  among  which  are  the  names  of 
Mr  William  Drysdale,  watchmaker,  and  Mr  James 
M'Gregor,  watchmaker." 

William  Drysdale  died  nth  August  1823,  aged  62 
years,  his  remains  being  interred  in  the  Old  Calton 
burying-ground,  where  a  neat  marble  tablet  on  the 
north-east  wall  marks  the  spot. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  121 

"Alison  Murray  Drysdale,  Portobello,  Thomas 
Drysdale,  watchmaker,  Quebec,  and  William  Drysdale, 
watchmaker,  Philadelphia,  were  each  of  them  served 
Heir  of  Provision  General  to  their  father,  William 
Drysdale,  watchmaker,  Edinburgh,  28th  September 
1835.  Recorded  2nd  October  1835." — Services  of  Heirs. 

DRYSDALE,  WILLIAM.     Dunbar,  1791. 

In  business  at  foot  of  West  Bow,  1800;  died  1839. 
See  note  on  Charles  Smeaton,  Dunbar. 

DRYSDALE,    WILLIAM.      High    Street,    Falkland,    Fife, 
1832. 

DUFF,  DANIEL.     38  New  Street,  Paisley,  1836. 

DUFF,  DAVID.     Hyndford's  Close,  Edinburgh,  1806. 

DUFF,  JAMES.     Burntisland,  1812. 

DUFF,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1758-74. 

6th  May  1758. — "A  petition  was  presented  for  James 
Duff,  late  apprentice  to  John  Dalgleish,  watchmaker  in 
Edinburgh,  and  son  of  Alexander  Duff,  freeman  of  this 
incorporation,  praying  to  have  an  essay  and  essay 
masters  appointed,  which  being  considered  they  granted 
the  desire  thereof." 

nth  November  1758. — "  Compeared  and  presented 
his  essay,  being  an  eight-day  clock  made  and  finished 
in  his  own  shop  as  John  Dalgleish,  his  landlord,  and 
Andrew  Dickie,  Robert  Clidsdale,  and  Thomas  Donald, 
his  essay  masters,  declared,  which  was  found  a  well 
wrought  essay,  etc.,  and  they  therefore  admitted  him 
a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker  of  this  Incorporation." 
—E.  H.  Records. 

"Stolen  out  of  a  gentleman's  house  in  the  Causey- 
side  on  Tuesday  night  last,  a  gold  chessed  watch 
jewelled,  maker's  name,  Wm.  Martin,  London,  with  a 
lady's  steel  chain  and  two  gold  seals.  Whoever  will 
give  information  so  as  the  same  may  be  recovered  shall 
receive  a  handsome  reward  by  applying  to  James  Duff, 
watchmaker  in  Edinburgh,  and  it  is  hoped  that  if  the 
said  watch  is  offered  for  sale  the  same  may  be  stopped, 
for  which  a  proper  reward  will  be  given  by  the  said 
James  Duff." — Caledonian  Mercury,  6th  January  1765. 


122  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

DUNBAR,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1710. 

i6th  December  1710. — "Late  servitor  to  Mr  George 

Frazer,  sub-principal  of  the  old  town  college  of  Aberdeen  ; 

booked    apprentice   to    Andrew    Brown,    Edinburgh."- 

E.  H.  Records. 
DUNBAR,  JAMES.     High  Street,  Perth,  1820. 

DUNCAN,  ALEXANDER.      Elgin,  1785.      See  Elgin  Town 
Clocks,  page  137. 

DUNCAN,  ANDREW.     Edinburgh,  1727. 

27th  April  1727. — "Son  to  John  Duncan,  merchant, 
and  late  Dean  of  Guild  ;  booked  apprentice  to  Alexander 
Brand."— E.  H.  Records. 

DUNCAN,  ANDREW.     Aberdeen,  1824. 

"  Andrew  Duncan,  clockmaker,  Aberdeen,  served 
Heir  in  General  to  his  father,  Andrew  Duncan,  square 
wright  in  Huntly,  dated  2ist  February  1824.  Recorded 
26th  February  1824." — Services  of  Heirs. 

DUNCAN,    D .      St    Catherine's    Street,    Cupar  -  Fife, 

1835-50. 

DUNCAN,  GEORGE.     25  Bridge  Street,  Banff,  1827-46. 

DUNCAN,  JAMES.     Old  Meldrum,  1785-95. 

Maker  of  the  old  town  steeple  clock  at  Stonehaven. 
DUNCAN,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh,  1729. 

Booked  apprentice  to  James  Nicoll,  Canongate,  1729. 
DUNCAN,-    -.     Dalbeattie,  about  1840. 
DUNCAN,  -    — .     Glasgow,  1849. 

DUN,  WILLIAM.     John  Street,  Glasgow,  1779-1803. 

"  William  Dun,  son  of  William  Dun,  watchmaker 
in  Glasgow,  served  Heir  of  Provision  General  to  his 
uncle,  Archibald  Napier,  druggist,  Edinburgh,  dated 
27th  May  1803.  Recorded  1st  June  1803." — Services 
of  Heirs. 

DUNDEE.       Notices   regarding   Saint  Mary's    Clock,   from 
1540  to  1664. 

It  is  evident  that  the  tower  of  the  church  has  not 
been  originally  intended  to  contain  a  clock,  seeing  that 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  123 

no  suitable  central  position  has  been  designed  for  dials, 
these  until  a  recent  time  having  been  placed  against 
windows  on  the  east  and  west.  When  a  clock  was 
erected  originally  cannot  now  be  determined,  but  it  is 
certain  that  probably  not  long  after  it  was  built,  which 
all  accounts  make  out  to  have  been  about  the  end  of 
the  fourteenth  century,  a  clock  was  placed  within  it 
which  struck  the  hours  for  service.  It  had  by  the  year 
1540  become  so  worn  and  untrustworthy  that  the 
Town  Council  entered  into  a  contract  with  William 
Purves,  burgess  of  Edinburgh,  for  the  construction  of 
another  in  its  place. 

By  this  contract  it  was  agreed  that  William  should 
make  "ane  sufficient  and  substantious  knok  with  all 
instruments  of  iron  work  necessary  and  pertaining 
thereto,  justly  ganging,  to  strike  hour  and  half  hour 
complete  and  justly,  the  twenty-four  hours  day  and 
night,  with  three  warnings  to  contain  six  score  and  nine 
straiks  (strokes),  the  first  at  four  hours  in  the  morning, 
the  next  at  twelve  hours  at  noon,  and  the  third  at  nine 
hours  at  even  "  (these  were  the  times  of  matins,  mass, 
and  evensong),  "  upon  the  five  bells  of  the  steeple,  for 
the  sum  of  seven  score  and  seventeen  pounds,  ten 
shillings ;  the  weight  to  be  four  score  of  stanes  or 
thereby,  and  gif  it  happens  the  knok  to  weigh  ten 
stone  more  or  less,  what  she  weighs  mair  to  be  payed  to 
William,  and  what  she  weighs  less  to  be  defaulted 
to  him."  Thereafter  he  made  the  knok  and  set  up  the 
same  in  their  steeple  on  Palm  Sunday,  1543,  weighing 
of  wrought  work  through  her  proportions  and  "sub- 
stantiousness  "  one  hundred  and  thirteen  stones. 

For  the  extra  weight  he  claimed  payment  at  the 
contract  rate ;  this  the  Council  refused  to  pay,  but  gave 
him  a  sum  to  account.  After  considerable  delay,  he  in 
1546  raised  an  action  against  them  before  the  Lords  of 
Council  and  Session,  concluding  for  the  whole  of  his 
claim,  and  alleging  that  James  Scrymgeour,  constable, 
and  Provost  of  Dundee,  after  the  making  of  the  contract, 
bade  him  make  the  knok  gude  and  substantious,  and 
whatever  she  weighed  or  drew  above  the  contract  he 


124  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

should  be  "  weill  payit."  He  alleged  besides  that,  until 
the  clock  was  complete  and  set  up,  he  "gart  their  auld 
knok  in  the  steeple  strike  hours  for  service,  and  keep 
gude  rule."  The  Lords  of  Council  having  heard  the 
parties,  decreed  that  the  Town  Council  pay  William  the 
sum  of  one  hundred  and  ninety-seven  pounds  fifteen 
shillings,  which  was  equal  to  a  deduction  of  ten  stones 
off  the  gross  weight. 

This  clock  was  destroyed  by  fire  in  1553,  and  the 
next  year  means  were  taken  for  providing  a  clock  and 
bell.  "It  is  ordered  by  the  Council  and  Deacons  of 
Crafts  that  an  tax  of  two  hundred  pounds  be  set  and 
gathered  for  payment  of  the  knok,  and  bringing  hame 
of  ane  bell  for  the  same."  The  clock,  which  was  then 
made  by  David  Kay,1  probably  an  Edinburgh  craftsman, 
did  not  have  the  elaborate  and  substantial  character  of 
the  one  constructed  ten  years  before  by  William 
Purves.  During  its  long  term  of  service  it  often  went 
wrong  and  needed  much  repair,  yet  its  remains,  which 
still  stand  in  the  corner  of  the  tower,  show  that  it  is  a 
good  example  of  the  honest  hammermen  work  of  the 
period.  At  first  it  had  only  one  dial.  Robert  Gagy  is 
"conducit  "  to  paint  the  orloge  of  the  steeple  for  thirty- 
twa  pence  ilk  day  for  his  wages,  and  the  kirkmaster  is 
instructed  to  provide  five  pounds  to  furnish  gold  and 
colours  to  the  orloge,  and  to  pay  Robert  daily  wages. 

On  nth  September  1554,  David  Kay,  knokmaker, 
had  occasion  to  leave  the  town  before  it  was  completed, 
so  he  required  the  bailies  that  "he  might  have  John 
Corntoun  (the  acolyte)  licensed  to  keep  the  knok  in  his 
name  and  behalf  for  the  space  of  forty  days  unto  his 
return ;  the  whilk  desire  the  bailies  granted  under 
protestation  that  what  skaith  or  danger  come  unto  the 
knok  suld  nocht  lie  nor  be  impute  to  the  town's  charge." 
When  finished,  it  was  entrusted  to  Sir  James  Kinloch, 
the  parish  clerk,  and  his  brother  William  became  surety 

1  This  surmise  we  give  as  occurring  in  the  account  from  which  these 
notes  are  taken,  but  if  the  notices  on  the  town  clocks  of  Glasgow  (see 
p.  160)  are  compared,  the  David  Kay,  Crail,  mentioned  there,  is  without 
doubt,  the  same  clockmaker  who  made  the  above. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  125 

for  him  that  "  he  shall  do  his  exact  diligence  in  keeping 
of  the  knok  for  his  fee  of  five  merks  yearly.  And  that 
if  any  damage  chances  come  unto  the  knok  through 
his  negligence,  William  shall  refund  the  skaith  to  the 
town." 

After  the  death  of  Sir  James  in  1558  the  kirkmaster 
granted  him  to  have  received  the  common  knok  in 
the  steeple  from  William  sufficient,  and  released  him 
of  the  suretyship.  But  William's  youngest  son,  having 
been  put  into  the  office  of  parish  clerk  which  his  uncle 
held,  the  father  became  bound  to  "  uphald  the  knok 
ganging  justly  "  and  cause  the  bells  to  be  rung  at  times 
convenient  and  used,  until  his  son  be  able  and  qualified 
to  serve  in  the  office.  And  the  treasurer  was  instructed 
to  deliver  to  William  yearly,  to  be  given  to  the  keeper 
of  the  knok,  "  ane  stand  of  claiths." 

\2th  June  1564. — "The  Council  disponed  five  merks 
of  the  feu  mail  of  Sanct  Agatha's  Chaplinne  to  John 
Broun,  who  had  been  one  of  the  Gray  Friars,  so  long 
as  he  in  time  coming  serves  'the  township  in  keeping 
of  their  knok.  In  1573  a  commission  of  the  General 
Assembly  made  inquiry  into  how  the  duties  and  rents 
which  had  been  recovered  were  being  appropriated,  and 
they  found  at  this  date  that  John  Broun,  quha  wes  ane 
of  the  Gray  Friars,  was  receiving  sixteen  pounds 
yearly." 

1588. — "Patrick  Ramsay,  smith  and  gunmaker, 
did  thankful  service  by  his  good  attention  on  the 
knok  and  steeple,  and  got  his  stipend  enlarged  in  1604 
to  twenty  pounds,  and  afterwards  to  forty,  besides 
being  exempt  from  the  payment  of  all  taxation  except 
such  as  the  crafts  shall  take.  He  did  not  escape  the 
tongue  of  calumny,  which  turned  out  that  Patrick  had 
been  very  wrongously  slandered."  On  27th  June  1609 
he  wrote  to  the  Council  a  characteristic  letter,  describing 
the  state  the  knok  was  in,  which  was  as  follows : — 

"Unto  your  worships  humblie  meanis  your  daylie 
servitour  Patrick  Ramsay,  Smith. 

"  That  quhair  it  is  not  unknown  to  your  worships 
that  I,  after  returning  to  this  town  when  it  pleased 


126  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

God  to  withdraw  his  visiting  hand1  therefrom,  at 
your  worship's  desire,  was  moved  to  undertake  my  auld 
service  in  attending  upon  the  knok,  at  which  times 
your  worships  promised  to  have  an  consideration  of  my 
great  pains  quhilk  I  was  to  sustain  in  the  frequent  visiting 
of  the  said  knok  and  continued  reparation  of  her,  seeing 
now  she  is  all  broken  and  worn  and  decayed  in  all 
the  pairts  thereof.  Upon  expectation  thereof  I  have 
continually  attended  with  my  sons  and  servants  since, 
and  thereby  have  been  abstracted  from  my  labour  which 
I  should  sustain  my  wife  and  bairns. 

"  Therefore,  now,  I  have  taken  occasion  to  remember 
your  worships  humbly,  that  order  may  be  taken  how 
I  may  be  payed  for  my  bypast  service,  and  in  time 
coming,  gif  your  worships  will  give  me  reasonable 
augmentation  to  my  former  fee,  I  will  bind  and  oblige 
myself  to  sustain  the  said  knok  and  preserve  her  from 
decay  and  mend  and  repair  her  upon  my  own  expense 
during  my  life,  quhilk  will  be  no  little  profit  to  the 
commoun  weill." 

This  appeal  was  successful,  and  the  Council  on 
2nd  January  1610  agreed  that  if  Patrick  presently  took 
down  and  repaired  the  knok  sufficiently  they  would 
give  him  forty  pounds  for  mending  it,  and  in  con- 
sideration of  the  great  labour  and  pains  continually 
taken  by  him  in  the  ordering  thereof  they  promised 
to  augment  his  stipend  with  twenty  pounds,  to  be  paid 
by  the  minister  and  elders  of  the  kirk,  making  "  in  the 
haill  the  soume  of  three  score  pounds  for  which  he 
and  his  eldest  son  shall  be  haldin  to  uphold  her  during 
his  own  and  his  son's  lifetime  hereafter." 

They  on  6th  October  1612  further  agreed  to  give 
the  son  a  stand  of  clothes  yearly  for  his  service,  and 
as  the  old  horologist  himself  continued  to  take  great 
pains  both  day  and  night  attending  her,  they  augmented 
his  fee  with  10  merks. 

The  sons  of  Patrick  Ramsay  appear  to  have 
inherited  a  practical  knowledge  of  the  mysteries  of 

1  He  refers  to  a  serious  visitation  of  the  plague  which  passed  over 
Dundee  at  this  date. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  127 

clock  work.  John,  like  him  a  hammerman,  was  trained 
from  his  youth  up  to  help  at  the  mending  of  the 
steeple  clock  and  followed  him  as  its  keeper.  Silvester 
chose  another  field  of  labour,  and  was  appointed  to 
the  place  of  Doctor  in  the  Grammar  School  with  very 
moderate  emoluments.  In  1609  another  clock  having 
been  obtained,  it  was  placed  in  the  Tolbooth.  It  is 
not  known  who  had  charge  of  it  at  first,  but  subse- 
quently Silvester  Ramsay  attached  himself  to  it,  and  by 
the  attention  which  he  bestowed  upon  its  movements 
rendered  the  burgh  much  true  and  faithful  service, 
and  the  Council  finding  him  to  be  an  experienced 
and  qualified  attendant,  elected  him  on  8th  August 
1637,  during  all  the  days  of  his  lifetime,  keeper  of  the 
said  clock  at  a  yearly  salary  of  four  score  merks. 
Of  Silvester  there  is  no  further  notice,  but  his  brother 
became  old  in  the  public  service ;  and  in  1646  the 
Council,  considering  the  weakness  and  inability  of  John 
Ramsay,  clock-keeper,  and  his  demission  of  that  office, 
made  choice  of  Andro  Taileour,  hammerman,  to  be 
keeper  of  both  clocks,  and  ordered  him  the  accustomed 
fees  and  duties. 

Under  Andro  Taileour's  charge  the  old  clock  in 
the  steeple  soon  became  disordered,  and  on  2fst 
September  1648,  "the  council,  having  heard  of  the 
report  of  those  who  were  desired  to  visit  the  knok  in 
the  steeple,  how  faulty  she  was,  ordained  James  Alisone 
to  take  her  down  and  help  all  defects  in  her,  and  at  the 
perfecting  of  the  work  they  promised  to  satisfy  as  they 
should  his  pains." 

30^  August  1664. — "The  council  ordains  Robert 
Stratone  and  Thomas  Davidson  to  draw  William  Smith 
to  the  lowest  price  they  can  for  mending  the  steeple 
knok,  and  quhen  they  shall  close  with  him,  ordains 
the  treasurer  to  pay  the  same,  quhich  shall  be  allowed 
in  his  accompts."— ALEXANDER  MAXWELL'S  History  of 
Dundee. 

DUNFERMLINE— Notices  regarding  the  Common  Clocks 
of  the  burgh  of,  from  1605  to 


128  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

1605. — "To  Johne  and  Harie  Burrells  for  taking 
sundry  the  knok  and  putting  it  together  again,  and 
dichting  the  same,  vijs." 

$th  February  1698. — "The  said  day  the  counsell 
agreed  with  Adam  Stevinsoun  (younger),  smith,  that 
he  should  not  only  daily  row  up  and  wait  upon  the 
knok,  and  also  to  mend  and  keep  right  all  parts  of  her 
that  shall  become  faulty,  or  make  new  wheels  or  other 
material,  and  to  keep  her  going  right,  for  which  the 
council  ordain  their  treasurer  to  pay  him  yearly  the  sum 
of  twenty  pounds  (Scots),  and  siclike  yearly  hereafter, 
during  his  dressing,  repairing,  and  keeping  right  said 
knok,  and  when  he  leaves,  Adam  to  leave  ye  said  knok 
in  good  condition  and  usual  going." 

4///  December  1723. — "  The  said  day  Adam  Stevinsoun 
having  acquainted  the  council  that  he  had  turned  the 
clock  in  the  steeple  into  a  pendulum  clock,  and  desired 
the  council  might  appoint  some  persons  to  visit  her  and 
report  if  ye  clock  be  bettered  yair  by." 

13/7^  October  1733. — "The  council  considering  that 
the  time  agreed  with  Robert  Bonnar  for  keeping  and 
taking  care  of  the  clock  expired  at  Michaelmas  last, 
they  therefore  called  for  Robert  Bonnar,  when  he 
acquainted  the  council  it  was  proper  there  should  be 
made  a  crown  wheel  of  brass  for  the  clock  in  order  to 
make  her  go  well.  Which  being  considered  by  the 
council,  they  agreed  with  him  to  make  the  same,  and 
to  pay  him  twelve  pounds  (Scots)  thereof,  and  sett  to 
him  the  keeping  of  the  clock  for  six  years  to  come  at 
the  old  rent." 

i^th  December  1743. — "The  council  ordered  the 
treasurer  to  pay  to  Robert  Bonnar,  wright,  thirteen 
pounds  ten  shillings  (Scots)  for  his  attending  and 
rectifying  the  toun  clock  yearly." 

26th  June  1745. — "Which  day  the  bailies  informed 
the  council  that  Mr  Andrew  Dickie,  watchmaker  in 
Edinburgh,  was  come  over  to  this  place,  as  he  was 
desired  by  the  council,  anent  a  new  clock  to  the  Kirk 
steeple  of  this  burgh,  and  that  after  the  bailies  and 
some  of  the  members  of  the  council  had  gone  up  with 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  129 

Mr  Dickie  to  the  present  clock  in  the  steeple,  which  is 
reckoned  quite  useless  and  takes  more  expense  to 
uphold  the  same  than  will  go  a  good  way  to  get  a  new 
clock.  The  bailies  and  these  members  heard  Mr  Dickie 
yairanent,  and  Mr  Dickie  offered  to  furnish  a  sufficient 
new  clock  to  the  said  steeple,  the  two  big  wheels  yairof 
to  be  fourteen  inches  in  diameter  and  very  nigh  an 
inch  thick,  and  these  wheels  and  the  other  wheels  to  be 
of  brass  and  the  rest  of  the  wheels  to  be  in  proportion 
to  the  two  big  wheels,  to  go  for  about  thirty  hours,  and 
a  minute  hand  within  all,  for  Forty  pounds  Sterling. 
And  that  he  declared  he  could  do  the  thing  cheaper, 
but  could  not  attest  a  cheaper  clock. 

"  Which  being  considered  by  the  council,  they  appoint, 
warrant,  and  empower  the  two  bailies  and  Dean  of  Guild 
in  name  of  the  town  to  contract  with  Mr  Dickie  for  a 
new  clock  to  the  steeple  at  the  said  Forty  pounds 
Sterling  of  price,  and  if  they  think  fit  to  agree  with  Mr 
Dickie  for  a  minute  hand  outside  although  the  town 
should  pay  a  guinea  more  for  the  said  minute  hand  or 
so.  And  whatever  the  bailies  and  the  Dean  of  Guild 
shall  so  contract,  the  council  engages  to  relieve  them 
yairof.  And  they  enjoin  the  said  bailies  and  dean  of 
guild  to  agree  with  Mr  Dickie  to  make  the  said  clock  to 
have  an  hour  hand  to  the  west,  and  the  north  brod  or 
plate  to  have  an  hour  and  minute  hand  together.  And 
allow  them  to  contract  with  Mr  Dickie  in  the  cheapest 
way  for  the  west  hand  also,  and  the  whole  price  not  to 
exceed  forty-three  pounds  (Sterling)." 

3U/  August  1745. — "  Which  day  the  bailies  laid  before 
the  council  a  letter  from  Mr  Dickie  of  the  28th  current 
relative  to  the  clock,  signifying  that  it  will  be  a  trouble- 
some job  to  pierce  the  hole  in  the  west  side  of  the  steeple, 
and  to  put  up  the  brod  on  the  west  side  thereof,  and 
wishing  that  the  council  would  let  it  alone  and  he'll 
discount  a  guinea  of  the  price. 

"Which  being  considered  by  the  council,  they 
unanimously  resolve  and  agree  that  there  shall  be  no 
hand  or  brod  on  the  west  side  of  the  steeple,  and 
appoints  the  bailies  or  anyone  of  them  to  write  Mr 

I 


130  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKEUS 

Dickie  to  provide  a  sufficient  dyall  brod  of  good  fir,  and 
six  feet  in  diameter,  and  to  cause  sufficiently  paint  the 
same  with  gold  leaf  of  large  figures  for  the  hour  hand, 
and  the  minute  figures  in  proportion." 

2gth  March  1746. — "  Which  day  the  bailies  acquainted 
the  council  that  Mr  Andrew  Dickie,  watchmaker, 
informed  them  that  the  new  clock  made  by  him  to  the 
town,  in  virtue  of  the  contract  betwixt  the  town  and 
him,  is  now  placed  in  the  church  steeple,  and  that  he 
says  it  goes,  and  that  he  is  demanding  twenty  pounds 
four  shillings  and  sixpence  Sterling  as  the  half  price  of 
the  clock  already  due,  with  three  pounds  eleven  shillings 
sterling  as  the  price  of  making  and  gilding  the  dyall 
plate  thereof,  with  seven  shillings  sterling  as  the  expense 
of  carriage  of  the  dyall  plate  from  Edinburgh  to  the 
ferry  paid  out  by  him.  Which  being  considered  by  the 
council  they  warrant  and  empower  John  Knox,  treasurer, 
to  pay  Mr  Dickie  the  several  sums  extending  in  whole  to 
twenty-four  pounds  two  shillings  and  sixpence  Sterling, 
but  order  the  contract  to  be  kept,  that  so  Mr  Dickie  may 
fulfil  the  obligations  thereof  presentable  by  him  thereby. 
As  also  the  council  order  said  John  Knox  to  give  to 
Mr  Dickie's  servant  a  crown  of  drink  money. 

"  The  same  day  the  council  agreed  with  Robert 
Meldrum,  officer,  to  pay  him  half  a  crown  for  his  due 
and  regular  and  daily  rolling  up  said  clock  for  half  of 
the  year  commencing  this  day,  and  for  oiling  the  same 
during  that  space/' 

From  a  note  affixed  to  Mr  Dickie's  letter  of  this  date, 
it  appears  that  there  was  a  great  number  of  people  all 
round  about  gazing  on  the  dial  hands  being  fixed. 
When  this  was  done  and  the  hands  set  to  the  time,  a 
loud  and  ringing  hurrah  arose  from  the  multitude  of 
lookers-on. 

i$tk  March  1756. — "Which  day  the  council  purchased 
from  Alexander  Richardson,  late  drummer,  an  old  clock 
or  movement  at  fifteen  shillings  Sterling,  and  delivered 
the  same  to  William  Inglis,  present  drummer,  to  use 
as  long  as  he  continues  drummer,  and  to  be  answerable 
to  the  town  therefor." 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  131 

CLOCK  FOR  THE  NEW, TOWN  HOUSE. — \yh  January 
1773. — "Which  day  the  Council  agreed  that  the  Dean 
of  Guild  and  Convener  and  Bailie  Ireland  transmit 
copies  of  the  several  estimates  given  in  for  their  new 
clock  to  some  proper  person  of  skill,  a  clockmaker  in 
Edinburgh,  or  get  an  opinion  which  of  the  three 
estimates  is  most  proper  to  be  executed,  for  the  interests 
of  the  town  *  also  his  opinion  which  of  the  makers  of 
the  estimates  he  judges  properest  for  making  said 
clock." 

^rd  April  1773. — "This  day  the  Council  appointed 
the  Dean  of  Guild  and  Convener,  Bailies  Morrison, 
Hunt,  and  Deacon  Abercromby  and  Wilson,  with  the 
Magistrates,  as  a  committee,  to  commune  with  the 
clockmakers  in  town  anent  the  clock  for  the  new  steeple, 
and  to  get  an  account  of  their  cautioners.  And  in  the 
meantime  the  council  agree  that  the  clock  shall  have 
four  dial  plates,  and  strike  the  quarters,  and  without 
minute  hands,  and  to  report." 

ijth  April  1773. — "Which  day  the  council  by  a 
majority  of  votes  made  choice  of  James  Symsone,  Clock- 
maker,  to  make  the  town  clock  for  the  new  steeple,  in 
terms  of  his  estimate  and  proposals  formerly  given  in." 

i^th  August  1773. — "This  day  the  council  by  a 
majority  of  votes  agree  that  the  clock  for  the  new 
steeple  shall  have  four  dial  plates,  without  minute  hands, 
or  striking  the  quarters." 

29/7*  December  1773. — "£36  to  be  paid  to  account  of 
new  clock  to  James  Symsone,  Clockmaker,  by  John 
Horn,  old  treasurer." 

yh  March  1774. — "The  council  order  John  Horn, 
late  treasurer,  to  pay  James  Symsone,  clockmaker,  five 
pounds  (Sterling)  more  upon  his  receipt,  to  account  of 
the  town  clock,  and  the  said  James  Symsone  immediately 
to  complete  the  clock  with  yettlin  paises  and  sufficient 
ropes,  and  to  strike  upon  the  present  bell.  On  the 
same  day  Mr  Symsone  offered  to  the  council  to  put  a 
minute  hand  on  the  east  dial  of  the  clock  if  the  council 
would  pay  him  for  the  expense  of  the  dial  plate  and 
hand." 


132  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

April  1775. — "The  new  clock  in  the  town  house 
steeple  appears  to  have  been  set  in  motion  about  the 
beginning  of  April  1775.  The  building  of  two  additional 
stories  to  the  town  house  began  in  July  1793,  and  was 
finished  early  in  January  1795.  There  was  also  a  new 
clock  fitted  up  in  the  new  clock  turret,  made  by 
Matthew  Parker  (q.v.),  in  January  1795.  The  Town 
House  was  removed  in  1876." — Extracts  from  the  Burgh 
Records  of  Dunfermline,  given  in  Henderson's  Annals  of 
Dunfermline. 

DUNN,  MALCOLM.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1764. 
DUNN,  THOMAS.     Western  Lane,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  1820. 
DURHAM,  WILLIAM.     High  Street,  Dunbar,  1820. 
DURHAM,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1809-50. 

Bound  apprentice  to  James  Howden,  jun.,  I  ith  August 
1809;  was  in  business  at  10  Brunswick  Street,  1850. 

DURHAM,  WILLIAM.     High  Street,  Thurso,  1837. 

DURWARD,  JOSEPH.     Edinburgh,  1775-1819. 

Admitted  a  freeman  clockmaker,  Canongate  Hammer- 
men, 2oth  October  1775,  his  essay  being  a  balance 
wheel  and  pinion. 

"  Stolen  from  a  chest  of  drawers  in  the  house  of 
Peter  M'Queen,  Head  of  the  Canongate,  Edinburgh,  on 
Tuesday  the  28th  of  November,  a  silver  watch,  maker's 
name,  Lament,  London,  No.  401.  If  any  person  or 
persons  shall  restore  the  same  to  Joseph  Durward, 
watchmaker,  Edinburgh,  or  give  such  information  as  it 
may  be  recovered,  shall  be  handsomely  rewarded.  If 
said  watch  is  offered  for  sale,  it  is  requested  she  may  be 
detained  and  notice  given  to  Mr  Durward." — Caledonian 
Mercury,  1st  December  1783. 

"  Lost  on  the  3Oth  November  last  betwixt  the  Head 
of  Cowgate  and  the  Tron  Church,  a  silver  watch, 
maker's  name,  R.  Parker,  London,  No.  324.  If  offered 
for  sale  or  otherwise  it  is  entreated  that  the  person  be 
detected  and  information  thereof  sent  to  Mr  Joseph 
Durward,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker,  No.  4  Princes  Street, 
Edinburgh.  Whoever  has  found  the  same,  by  returning 
it  to  Mr  Durward  shall  be  handsomely  rewarded." — Ibid., 
3rd  December  1785. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  133 

"  GOLD  WATCH  LOST. — There  was  lost  on  Tuesday 
night,  the  I3th  current,  betwixt  the  hours  of  10  and  12 
o'clock  in  South  Bridge  Street,  a  gold  watch,  maker's 
name,  Rerxoll,  Liverpool.  Whoever  will  return  the 
said  watch  to  Mr  Joseph  Durward,  No.  1 1  Leith  Street, 
will  be  handsomely  rewarded.  There  was  a  piece  of 
black  silk  ribbon  and  a  brass  key  at  it." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  ipth  June  1817. 

"Joseph  Durward  announces  with  grateful  acknow- 
ledgment the  liberal  encouragement  with  which  he  has 
been  honoured  for  the  last  forty  years,  and  begs  leave 
now  to  intimate  that  he  has  now  retired  from  business 
and  most  respectfully  solicits  the  patronage  of  his 
numerous  friends  on  behalf  of  Mr  James  Ritchie  (q.v.), 
No.  29  Leith  Street,  whose  professional  abilities  and 
attention  to  business  will  give  every  satisfaction  to  his 
employers." — Ibid,^  26th  May  1819. 

EADIE,  ANDREW.     Perth,  1794. 

Apprenticed  to  Patrick  Gardiner,  Perth. 

EARNS,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1712. 

Son  to  the  deceased  James  Earns,  weaver  in  Anstruther ; 
booked  apprentice  to  Captain  Thomas  Gordon,  clock- 
maker,  Edinburgh,  4th  November  1712. 

EDINBURGH— Notices  regarding  the  Common  Clock  of 
the  burgh  of,  from  1552  to  1861 — "  St  Giles  Kirk." 

tfh  March  1552. —  "The  quilk  day  the  provost, 
bailies,  and  council  think  expedient  and  ordain  the 
common  bell  to  have  a  string  coming  therefrom  to  the 
nether  end  of  a  pillar  in  the  kirk,  and  to  be  locked  in 
an  almonry,  and  that,  to  have  six  keys,  one  thereof 
to  the  provost,  four  to  the  bailies,  and  the  sixth  to  the 
bell  man,  that  the  said  bell  may  be  rung  at  all  times 
(quhen  tyme  occuris)." 

9//z  November  1552.  —  "The  quilk  day  the  provost, 
bailies,  and  council  ordain  that  Patrik  Guvane,  keeper 
of  the  knok,  have  a  key  of  the  steeple  door,  to  the  effect 
that  he  may  visit  and  keep  the  said  knok  and  ring 
the  common  bell  when  he  be  chairgit  thairto." 

1552.—"  To  the  keeper  of  the  knok  for  his  fee,  iij.  lib. 

I552- — "  For  oil  to  the  knok  all  year  viijs. 


134  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

1554. — "The  expensis  made  upon  the  mending 
of  the  knok  and  half  hour  at  the  town's  command. 

yd  February  1554. — "Given  to  a  writer  to  write 
the  indentures  between  Robert  Creith  and  the  comptr 

xviijd. 

"  Item ,  6th  February  1554. — Given  to  three  men  for 
downtaking  of  the  knok  furth  of  the  steeple  to  the 
cart  njs. 

"Item,  for  a  close  cart  to  carry  down  to  Leith  the 
great  work  of  her  iijs.  iijd. 

"Item,  to  ane  man  to  bare  down  her  small  work  in  a 
close  creel  to  Leith  viijd. 

"  Item,  for  two  fathom  of  a  great  cord  to  cause 
the  great  bell  strike  the  hours  quhen  the  knok  is 
away  viijd. 

"Item,  given  to  Robert  Creith  or  Creych,  for  up- 
putting  of  a  little  knok  in  the  Tolbooth  before  the  Lords 
quilk  was  borrowed  from  Master  Johne  Stevenson  vs. 

"  Item,  given  to  Robert  Creith  quhilk  he  disbursit 
for  a  cut  of  a  great  tree  to  tow  the  pais  cords  of 
the  knok  of  the  hour  and  half  hour  ijs. 

"Item,  2$th  February. — Given  to  two  men  for  down- 
taking  of  the  half  hour  furth  of  the  steeple  and  bearing 
of  it  to  the  cart  vjs. 

"  Item,  for  a  close  cart  to  carry  all  the  works  of  the 
half  hour  to  Leith  iijs. 

"Item,  to  a  man  to  bare  down  the  vj  hammers  to 
Leith  iiijd. 

"Item,  iSt/i  March. — Given  for  upbring  of  the  knok 
and  half  hour  again  from  Leith  in  two  close  carts  and  to 
a  man  to  bare  up  the  small  work  again  vjs.  viijd. 

"Item,  to  two  pynors  (labourers)  to  bare  up  the  haill 
work  again  to  the  steeple  ijs. 

"Item,  for  xij  fathom  of  a  great  cord  to  bare  the 
pais  of  the  half  hour,  ilk  fathom  vjd.  suma  vjs. 

"Item,  given  to  Sampsoun  the  painter  to  lay  the 
haill  knok  and  half  hour  all  over  with  red  lead  to  keep 
them  from  rusting  xlvs. 

"Item,   for  two  daillis    to    be    a   door   and  flooring 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCK  MAKERS  135 

to   that    part   of  the    steeple    where   the    knok   stands 
to  save  it  from  wet  and  wind  vjs.  viijd. 

"  Item,  for  saving  of  two  daillis  xxd. 

"  Item,  for  nails  viijd. 

"Item,  to  a  wright  for  making  of  the  door  and 
mending  of  the  flooring  ijs.  viijd. 

"Item,  for  two  crooks,  two  bands,  a  lock  and  key 
to  the  said  door  to  Johne  Banx  iiijs. 

" Item,  2$th  March  1555. —  Paid  to  Robert  Creith 
for  his  haill  labours  of  the  knok  and  half  hour 

xxxiij  lib. 

"  The  haill  sum  of  the  expensis  made  on  the  knok 
and  half  hour  is  xxxix  lib.  vs.  vjd." 

Sth  May  1560. — "The  provost,  bailies,  and  council 
understand  that  the  kirk  might  be  served  with  three 
bells,  one  rung  to  the  prayers,  another  for  serving 
the  knok,  and  the  third  to  be  the  common  bell." 

27 'th  November  1566. — "The  provost,  bailies,  and 
council  ordain  Mr  John  Preston,  dean  of  guild,  to  cause 
mend  the  prik  of  the  sun  orlege  on  the  south  side  of 
the  kirk  in  the  kirkyard,  and  draw  the  letters  thairof 
of  new." 

2^th  April  1567. — "The  dean  of  guild  ordained  to 
Cause  paint  the  letters  of  the  orlage." 

"Three  persons  appointed  to  talk  with  the  man 
that  has  the  orlage  to  sell,  desired  to  be  set  up  at 
the  Nether  Bow,  drif  it  to  ane  price,  and  report  to  the 
council." 

\gth  April  1570. — "  It  is  appointed  and  agreed  betwixt 
the  bailies,  dean  of  guild,  and  council  on  the  one  part, 
and  Robert  Creych,  knokmaker,  on  the  other  pairt,  viz., 
the  said  Robert  binds  and  obliges  him  to  mend  and 
uphold  the  town  knok,  they  furnishing  iron  (allanerlie), 
for  the  quilk  case  they  ordain  the  treasurer  present 
and  to  come  to  pay  him  yearly  during  his  lifetime 
xls." 

igth  March  1584. — "Finds  expedient  that  at  the 
taking  doun  of  the  old  knok  in  the  steeple  and  placing 
a  new  knok  in  the  room  thereof,  and  that  the  said 
old  knok  be  taken  and  set  up  in  the  bell  house  at  the 


136  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

High  School  until  a  more  commodious  place  be  prepared 
for  the  same." 

2ist  April  1585. — "Ordained  the  dean  of  guild  to 
pay  £55  as  the  price  of  the  knok  of  Lindores,  and  the 
said  dean  of  guild  to  intromett  with  the  said  knok  and 
be  comptabill  for  the  same." 

2$rd  April  1585. — "Condescends  and  agrees  that 

Smith,  smyth  in  Blantyre  (?),  for  repairing  of  the 

knok  of  Lindores  bought  by  the  town,  setting  up  thereof, 
and  dressing  of  the  same,  to  have  two  hands,  to  be  set 
in  the  high  steeple,  and  doing  all  things  necessary 
pertaining  to  his  occupation,  at  the  sight  and  desire 
of  the  dean  of  guild,  Johne  Watt,  or  ony  of  the  council 
quhome  they  please  to  take  with  them,  to  have  three 
score  pounds  money,  or  else  be  made  burgess  and  free 
with  his  craft,  and  therewith  to  have  forty  merks 
money,  the  said  two  conditions  being  in  his  option." 

2yd  Jime  1585. — "The  bailies,  dean  of  guild, 
treasurer,  and  a  part  of  the  council  being  convened, 
understanding  that  the  new  knok  is  made  ready  and 
prepared,  therefore  finds  it  most  expedient  that  the 
same  be  set  up,  and  the  great  bell  whereupon  it  strikes 
to  be  raised  higher,  by  the  advice  of  Andro  Sclater, 
William  Littill,  George  Smith,  and  Henry  Blyth." 

The  foregoing  extracts  are  taken  from  the  volumes 
published  under  the  auspices  of  the  Burgh  Record 
Society,  and  as  none  have  been  published  dealing  with 
Edinburgh  later  than  1882,  Index  1892,  unfortunately 
it  has  not  been  found  possible  to  continue  the  subject 
later,  as  a  personal  search  into  the  City  of  Edinburgh's 
MS.  Records  would  entail  the  labours  of  a  lifetime. 
We  can  only  give  a  copy  of  the  inscription  engraved 
on  a  brass  plate  fixed  near  the  clock  in  the  tower  of 
St  Giles,  which  is  as  follows : — 

"  L.  BRADLEY/  Londini,  Fecit.     MDCCXXI. 

"  Repaired  and  minute  hand  put  to  by  Thomas  Reid, 
1797 — Thomas  Elder,  Lord  Provost. 

1  See  Alexander  Brownlie,  Edinburgh,  page  67. 


[To  face  page  136. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  137 

"  Changed  from  30  hours  to  an  8-day  by  Ritchie  & 
Son,  25  Leith  Street,  1861. 

"  New  one  altogether  by  James  Ritchie  &  Son, 
Edinburgh,  1912." 

EDWARDS,  JOHN.     Alloa,  1820. 

EDWARDS,  JOHN.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1725. 

Booked  apprentice  to  George  Scott,  Canongate,  1725. 

ELDRICK,  HAY.    I  Palace  Road,  Kirkwall,  1823  ;  died  1832. 

ELDRICK,   JAMES.     Son  of   above.     Broad    Street,    Kirk- 
wall,  1836. 

ELGIN — Notices  regarding  the  Common  Clocks  of  the  burgh 
of,  from  1651  to  1785. 

2Oth  January  1651. — "Murray,  Bellman — Anent 
Alexander  Murray,  bellman,  his  petition  alleging  he  had 
20  lib.  more  than  was  due  by  him  for  the  customs  the 
year  preceding,  and  therefore  desired  allocation  in  the 
year  succeeding.  The  council  suspends  their  answer 
to  the  bill,  until  they  see  an  amendment  in  the  petitioner 
anent  the  ruling  of  the  clock  and  ringing  of  the  four 
hours  and  eight  hours  bell  at  morning  and  nights, 
and  giff  he  fail  in  doing  duty  therein,  he  is  to  have 
neither  payment  or  allocation,  and  himself  be  wairded 
(imprisoned)." 

Jth  November  1681. — "The  council  has  appointed 
that  the  twenty  pounds  (Scots)  paid  formerly  to  the 
bedler  (beadle)  for  attending  the  knok,  and  ringing  the 
great  bell  at  four  o'clock  in  the  morning  and  at  eight 
o'clock  at  night,  and  setting  up  the  candle  in  the  church, 
and  other  service  done  by  the  bedler  and  servant  about 
the  church,  wherein  the  magistrates  and  council  are 
concerned,  shall  no  more  be  paid  to  any  succeeding 
bedler,  who  only  has  the  benefit  of  the  little  bell  for 
doing  thereof,  who  cannot  exhort  any  inhabitant  for  the 
same,  which,  if  he  do,  the  magistrates  and  council  are 
determined  thereanent." 

6th  September  1703. — "The  council  constitutes  and 
appoints  James  Russell,  merchant  in  Elgin,  to  be  their 
bellman,  and  the  said  James  Russell  obliges  him  that  he 
shall  keep  the  toun's  clock  so  right  in  her  going  as  that 


138  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

she  shall  not  go  half  an  hour  backward  or  forward  in 
twenty-four  hours'  time,  as  also  he  obliges  himself  to 
ring  the  eight  hours  bell  at  night  and  four  hours  bell  in 
the  morning  punctually,  and  if  he  fail  in  either  to  lose 
his  said  office  and  be  at  the  council's  will,  as  also  he 
dispenses  with  all  the  oil  and  tallow  which  the  town  was 
formerly  in  use,  to  pay  quarterly  for  upholding  and 
keeping  right  the  clock  and  bells,  which  he  shall  now 
do  so  on  his  own  charges  ;  and  also  he  dispenses  with 
and  shall  crave  no  yearly  salary  from  the  town,  in 
consideration  of  which  he  shall  have  the  sole  right  to 
the  dues  of  the  little  bell  with  the  casualties  of  the 
great  bell,  besides  what  is  payable  to  the  treasurer,  and 
the  council  appoints  the  treasurer  to  give  to  the  said 
James  Russell  two  dollars  for  bussing  the  clock." 

21  st  January  1706. — "  The  council  does  hereby  ordain 
that  the  great  bell  be  rung  every  night  at  eight  o'clock 
exactly,  and  the  drum  to  begin  and  beat  at  nine  o'clock 
every  night  precisely,  and  the  clock  to  be  wind  up  at 
twelve  o'clock  each  day." 

i^tli  December  1706. — "The  council  appoints  the 
treasurer  to  take  such  methods  as  may  be  efficient  to 
preserve  the  town's  clock  from  being  spoiled  by  the 
injury  of  the  weather,  and  blowing  from  the  north  and 
south  open  places  of  the  steeple." 

I7//2  August  1713. — "The  town's  big  bell,  which  is 
in  the  church  steeple,  which  was  first  founded  in  1593, 
and  having  been  in  this  year  1713  rendered  useless  by 
a  rent  therein,  was  taken  down  by  order  of  the  Town 
Council,  and  upon  the  I3th  August  current  was 
refounded  within  this  burgh  by  Albert  Gelly,  founder 
in  Aberdeen.  The  expense  thereof  was  done  upon  the 
town's  common  good,  and  upon  the  I7th  August  the 
said  bell  was  hung  up  and  rung.  The  weight  thereof 
consists  of  638  pounds,  and  the  whole  price  of  the  said 
bell  extends  to  325  pounds  (Scots),  including  the  price 
of  what  metal  was  furnished  by  the  said  founder." 

i^th  June  1720. — "Agreement  with  James  Brown, 
clockmaker  at  Aberdeen,  to  make  and  build  an  sufficient 
and  weel  goeing  clock  in  the  steeple  of  the  Tolbooth, 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  139 

with  two  dial  plates,  and  that  for  £iS  sterling,  to  be 
paid  out  of  the  vacant  stipends  for  1716,  and,  if  necessary, 
the  common  good." 

igth  February  1722. — "£27  sterling  to  be  paid  to 
James  Brown,  clockmaker,  for  the  Tolbooth  clock,  it  being 
well  going  and  an  eight  day  clock." 

\2th  June  1724. — "The  provost  delivered  to  the 
treasurer  an  pass  key  that  opens  three  doors  in  the 
Tolbooth,  which  was  formerly  made  for  the  convenience 
of  Mr  Brown,  clockmaker,  when  he  was  building  the 
Tolbooth  clock." 

-2nd  July  1733. — "The  council  to  treat  with  James 
Brown,  watchmaker,  to  keep  the  Tolbooth  and  kirk  clocks, 
which  are  not  exactly  keeped  by  James  Watson,  beddall." 

"  Wanted  at  Elgin  a  skilful  clock  and  watch  maker, 
who  might  reasonably  expect  proper  encouragement,  as 
there  is  none  of  that  business  here  nor  betwixt  Inverness 
and  Banff,  being  50  miles  distant.  The  Magistrates  of 
Elgin  would  give  a  small  salary  for  keeping  the  town's 
clocks  in  good  order.  Any  well  qualified  clock  and 
watch  maker  who  inclines  to  come  here  and  carry  on 
business  may  signify  the  same  by  letter  directed  to 
Mr  Patrick  Duff,  Town  Clerk  of  Elgin." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  1 7th  June  1756. 

I3//2  March  1769. — "Alexander  Gray  appointed 
clock-keeper  for  seven  years  at  a  salary  of  £2  sterling 
yearly,  with  ropes  and  a  pint  of  oil  yearly,  and,  as  the 
clocks  are  much  in  want  of  repair,  he  agrees  to  mend 
them  and  to  keep  in  repair  for  seven  years  for 
£3  sterling." 

2\st  November  1785.  — "Alexander  Duncan  is 
appointed  keeper  of  the  clocks  for  five  years  at  a  yearly 
salary  of  £3,  ios.,  to  keep  the  same  in  repair,  except 
timber  work  and  ropes ;  also,  he  is  to  furnish  for  the 
High  Church  a  timepiece,  on  payment  of  £2,  ios.  sterling, 
and  admission  as  a  freeman  burgess  of  this  Burgh." 

ELLEIS,  DAVID.     Aberdeen,  1560.     See  page  3. 
ESSEX,  JOSEPH.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1711. 

Admitted  a  freeman  clockmaker,  Canongate  Hammer- 
men, nth  April  1711,  his  essay  being  a  pendulum  clock. 


140  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

This  maker's  name  is  the  first  clockmaker  to  be  met 
with  in  the  earliest  volume  that  is  now  extant  of  the 
records  of  the  Canongate  Hammermen,  the  previous 
volumes  having  disappeared. 

EUNSON,  JAMES.     Stromness,  Orkney,  1836. 

FAIRBAIRN,  ANDREW.  Edinburgh,  1807-34.  19  Chapel 
Street,  1807;  4  West  Nicolson  Street,  1825. 

"ADVANTAGEOUS  OPENING  TO  CLOCK  AND  WATCH 

MAKERS. — The  house  and  shop,  No.  4  West  Nicolson 
Street,  to  let,  with  the  goodwill  of  the  business  carried 
on  by  the  late  Andrew  Fairbairn.  The  business  has 
been  in  full  and  profitable  operation  for  nearly  thirty 
years ;  the  situation  is  good,  and  such  an  opening  to  an 
industrious  person  with  a  small  capital  seldom  occurs. 
The  stock,  consisting  of  clock  and  watch  maker's  tools, 
etc.,  is  small  and  may  be  had  at  a  valuation.  Mr  Fair- 
bairn  enjoyed  the  fullest  confidence  of  all  his  employers, 
and  it  requires  little  more  than  diligence  and  application 
to  business  to  render  this  a  good  and  profitable  concern. 
The  terms  of  rent  and  goodwill  of  the  business  are 
moderate  terms.  Apply  as  above  ;  if  from  the  country, 
post  paid." — Scotsman^  I3th  November  1834. 

"  Helen    Fairbairn    in    Edinburgh,    served    Heir   in 
General   to   her  father,  Andrew    Fairbairn,  clockmaker 
there,  dated  25th  May  1835.    Recorded  1st  June  1835."- 
Services  of  Pleirs. 

FAIRGREIVE,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1783-94. 

Bound  apprentice  to  David  Murray,  I9th  July   1783. 
Discharged    of    his    indentures,    23rd    June     1791.       In 
business,  18  North  Bridge,  1794. 
FAIRHOLM,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1739. 

^rd  October  1739. — "Son  of  Thomas  Fairholm  of 
Piltoun  ;  booked  to  Thomas  Gordon." 

tyh  February  1743. — "The  house  appoints  Robert 
Fairholm  apprentice  to  Thomas  Gordon,  watchmaker, 
now  deceast,  to  be  transferred  to  Patrick  Gordon,  watch- 
maker, for  the  time  yet  to  run  in  the  indentures.  The 
said  Patrick  Gordon  first  paying  the  absents1  due 

1  This  means  the  times  absent  from  the  stated  meetings  of  the 
Hammermen's  Incorporation,  and  shows  the  punctilious  manner  they 
conducted  their  business  as  these  two  men  were  not  only  wealthy  but 
citizens  of  some  renown,  and  were  quite  good  for  the  money. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  141 

by  the  said  Thomas  and  himself,  amounting  to  eleven 
shillings  and  sixpence  Sterling." 

I2tk  March  1743. — "Patrick  Gordon,  watchmaker, 
in  terms  of  the  minute  of  last  sederunt,  paid  eleven 
shillings  and  sixpence  Sterling  in  full  of  the  absents 
due  by  his  deceast  brother  and  himself." — E.  H.  Records. 

FAIRN,  JAMES.     Clock  Case  Maker,  Bristo  Port,  Edinburgh, 
1800. 

FAIRWEATHER,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1749. 

Though  not  a  clockmaker,  was  closely  allied  to  the 
craft  as  his  advertisement  shows. 

"To  THE  CURIOUS.  —  John  Fairweather,  Lapidary, 
at  Clockmill,  in  the  corner  of  St  Ann's  Yards,  cuts  all 
kinds  of  Scots  Pebbles  after  the  best  manner  into  all 
shapes  at  the  lowest  prices,  and  has,  with  his  new 
invented  machinery,  lately  made  several  pebble  watch 
cases  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  most  curious,  and  at  so 
low  a  price  as  one  guinea  and  a  half  the  piece.  He 
being  the  only  Scotsman  hitherto  that  has  made  any, 
notwithstanding  there  are  other  pretenders." — Caledonian 
Mercury ',  7th  September  1749. 

FALCONER,  WILLIAM.     Laurencekirk,  1784. 

"Clock  and  Watch  Maker  and  Watch  Material 
Manufacturer,  returns  his  most  grateful  thanks  to  the 
noblemen,  gentlemen,  and  watchmakers  who  have 
honoured  him  with  their  subscriptions,  and  also  to 
those  who  have  promised  to  do  it,  and  in  particular  to 
the  watchmakers  of  Edinburgh  and  Montrose  for  the 
encomiums  they  have  wrote  in  the  subscription  paper  on 
the  undertaking,  which  undertaking  is  to  establish  on  an 
extensive  plan  all  the  necessary  branches  of  watchmaking 
in  Scotland,  as  he  makes  the  materials  which  used 
formerly  to  come  from  England,  and  he  wishes  the 
subscription  papers  filled  up  as  soon  as  possible,  for 
which  reason  he  has  lodged  printed  addresses  to  the 
public  with  the  following  gentlemen : — 

Mr  Macpherson,  watchmaker,  Edinburgh 
„    Downie,  goldsmith,  „ 

„    Hamilton,  watchmaker,  Glasgow 
„    James  Milne,      „  Montrose 

„    Argo,  „  Peterhead 

„    Low,  „  Arbroath 


142  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

Mr  Young,  watchmaker,  Perth 
„    Carmichael,         „         Greenock 
„    Brownlie,  „         Hamilton 

„    Mill,  „         St  Ninians 

„    Turnbull  „         Dunfermline 

Silver  watches  to  be  offered  as  low  as  two  pounds 
after  the  period  of  three  years.  He  begs  subscribers 
will  not  delay  in  honouring  him  with  subscriptions  to 
enable  him  to  execute  a  business  as  necessary  and 
beneficial  to  the  country. 

"  One  half  of  the  subscription  money  is  to  lie  in  a 
banker's  hand  so  that,  in  case  of  his  failure,  subscribers 
cannot  lose  half  their  money.  He  hopes  the  public  will 
see  the  propriety  of  supporting  his  undertaking,  as  the 
manufacture  of  watches  and  all  their  materials  in 
Scotland  could  not  fail  of  saving  and  bringing  much 
money  to  the  country  and  giving  bread  to  industrious 
mechanics  ready  to  execute  this  undertaking." — Cale- 
donian Mercury,  4th  August  1784. 

FARQUHAR,    ANDREW.      Marischal     Street,    Peterhead, 

1837- 

FARQUHAR,  ANDREW.     Edinburgh,  1768. 

"On  Wednesday  the  6th  April  next, at  eleven  o'clock 
forenoon,  in  the  auction  room  entering  by  the  stair 
leading  to  High  Coffee  House,  south  side  of  the  Cross, 
Edinburgh,  there  to  be  rouped  and  sold,  a  large  parcel 
of  good  silver  watches  to  be  set  up  to  sale  in  half  dozens 
and  sold  to  the  highest  bidder,  and  as  they  are 
sequestrate  goods,  once  Andrew  Farquhar's  now  the 
property  of  creditors,  and  certain  to  be  sold,  it  is  not 
doubted  great  pennyworths  will  be  got.  Good  bills  will 
be  taken  at  six  months,  at  the  usual  rate  of  interest 
above  the  purchase  money,  for  the  encouragement  of 
merchants  and  country  dealers.  There  is  a  variety  of 
other  goods  to  be  sold  at  the  same  place." — Caledonian 
Mercury,  2ist  March  1768. 

FARQUHARSON,  ALEXANDER.     Edinburgh,  1749-68. 

Son  of  Charles  Farquharson,  writer  in  Edinburgh  ; 
booked  apprentice  to  John  Dalgleish,  watchmaker. 

2nd  July  1749. — "Presented  a  bill  on  4th  February 
1764  craving  to  be  admitted  clock  and  watch  maker, 
which  was  received,  and  an  essay  and  essay  masters  were 
appointed  to  him." 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  143 

2%tk  July  1764. — "Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  watch  movement  in  his  own  shop,  as 
Robert  Clidsdale,  George  Begbie,  senior,  and  James 
Cowan,  his  essay  masters,  declared,  which  was  found  a 
well  wrought  essay,  etc." — E.  H.  Records. 
FARQUHARSON,  CHARLES.  Canongate,  Edinburgh, 
1722. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Alexander  Brand,  1722. 
FARQUHARSON,  CHARLES.     Dundee,  1733-42. 

FARQUHARSON,  LAUCHLIN.     Perth,  1743. 

Booked  apprentice  to  David  Thomson,  Perth,  3<Dth 

November  1743. 
FARQUHARSON,    ROBERT.     15    High    Street,  Dundee, 

1847. 
FAULDS,  ALLAN.     Kilmarnock,  about  1830. 

FAULDS,  JAMES.     Kilmarnock;  died  1796. 

FAY,  JAMES  and  JOHN.     5  Stock  well  Place,  Glasgow,  1837. 

FEAD,  JAMES.     5  York  Place,  Edinburgh,  1843. 

FENWICK,  PETER,  jun.     Crieff,  1837. 

FEN  WICK,  FATHER  and  SON.     Crieff,  1800-76. 

FEREN, .     Reform  Street,  Dundee,  1843. 

FEREN-&  Co.     27  Irish  Street,  Dumfries,  1837. 

FERENBACH,  D.  and  C.     10  Nicolson  Street,  Edinburgh, 

1850. 
FERGUSON,  ALEXANDER.     Edinburgh,  1754-72. 

"  Discharged  of  his  indentures  by  Deacon  James 
Cowan  on  I7th  June  1761." 

This  individual  was  probably  the  first  apprentice 
that  James  Cowan  trained. 

loth  July  1771. — "Presented  a  bill  craving  to  be 
admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker." 

2%th  January  1772. — "Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  an  eight-day  clock,  begun,  made,  and 
finished  in  presence  of  James  Cowan,  landlord,  and 
James  Duff,  Normand  Macpherson,  and  George  Begbie, 
essay  masters  as  they  declared,  which  was  found  a  well 
wrought  essay,  etc." — E.  H.  Records. 


144  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

FERGUSON,  ALEXANDER.    Dundee,  1777. 
FERGUSON,  ALEXANDER.     Cupar-Fife,  1780. 

FERGUSON,  ARCHIBALD.  18  Houstoun  Square,  John- 
stone,  1836. 

FERGUSON,  GEORGE.     Perth,  1791. 

Apprenticed  to  James  Greig,  Perth,  1791. 

FERGUSON,  JAMES.  Banffshire,  1710;  died  in  London, 
1776. 

"  Astronomer  and  Mechanician.  Was  born  at  the 
Core  of  Mayer,  near  Rothiemay  in  Banffshire,  on  25th 
April  1710.  His  father  was  a  day  labourer.  In  1720 
put  to  service,  and  in  1732  made  a  wooden  clock  and  a 
watch  with  wooden  wheels  and  a  whalebone  spring. 
In  1734  he  came  to  Edinburgh  to  be  trained  as  an 
artist,  and  he  became  a  portrait  painter,  which  he 
followed  for  twenty-six  years.  He  afterwards  went  to 
London,  and  was  buried  in  Marylebone  Churchyard, 
1776." — Dictionary  of  National  Biography. 

The  reader  is  respectfully  invited  to  consult  the 
above  volume,  from  which  this  short  extract  is  taken, 
for  more  full  and  interesting  details  of  this  celebrated 
man,  who,  as  an  inventor  of  curious  and  useful  clock 
movements,  was  never  excelled.  The  following  adver- 
tisement relating  to  his  residence  in  Edinburgh  will  be 
found  interesting,  and  shows  the  capabilities  of  the 
man  : — 

"There  is  an  astronomical  machine  invented  by 
James  Ferguson,  Limner  in  China  Ink.  This  instrument 
is  1 8  inches  long  and  12  inches  broad.  It  has  four 
different  pieces  or  wheels,  by  turning  of  which,  according 
to  direction,  the  true  time  and  figure  of  all  the  eclipses 
are  seen  from  1732  to  1800  inclusive.  Those  of  the 
sun  as  they  will  appear  at  Edinburgh,  London,  and 
Paris.  It  shows  also  during  the  above  number  of  years 
the  Sun's  place  and  Moon's  place  in  the  Ecliptik,  with 
their  distance  from  one  another,  and  from  the  Moon's 
nodes,  every  day  of  the  year,  with  the  temporary 
difference  of  most  remarkable  places  of  the  earth  from 
Edinburgh.  It  hath  several  tables  besides,  calculated 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  145 

for  the  above  time,  which  shows  by  inspection  the  day 
of  the  month,  Moon's  age,  Sun's  rising  and  setting  at 
Edinburgh,  equation  of  time,  and  movable  feasts,  also 
the  Magnitudes,  Periodical  Revolutions,  Solar  distances, 
Hourly  velocities,  etc.,  of  the  planets,  and  directions 
for  finding  the  Moon's  southing,  and  High  Water  in 
Moray  Firth,  and  at  the  Ports  of  Aberdeen,  Rochester, 
Dundee,  Maiden,  Lisbon,  Leith,  and  London  for  ever. 

"  This  instrument  is  to  be  engraven  on  Royal  paper, 
and  the  plate  sold  at  a  crown  to  any  who  are  willing  to 
subscribe  for  its  publication,  and  they  are  requested  to 
give  in  their  names  at  the  shops  of  Bailie  Hamilton  and 
Mr  Symmer,  Bookseller  in  Edinburgh,  against  the  1st 
of  April  1742,  and  also  from  the  author,  James 
Ferguson,  at  his  lodging  in  Nicol  Somervail,  painter,  in 
the  Flesh  Market  Close. 

"If there  be  not  a  number  sufficient  to  defray  the 
expense  of  engraving  the  publication  must  be  dropped." 
—Caledonian  Mercury^  26th  January  1742. 

See  also  notes  on  Samuel  Brown,  Edinburgh,  page  65. 

FERGUSON,  MONTGOMERY.    Mauchline,  Ayrshire,  1837-50. 
FERGUSON,    WILLIAM    STEPHEN.     High  Street,  Elgin, 

1837- 

FERRIER,  JOHN.     King  Street,  Tain,  1836. 
FIFE,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1780. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Thomas  Morgan. 

FINLAY,  ANDREW.     Gatehouse-of-Fleet,  1836. 
FINLAY,  JOHN  &  Co.     104  Trongate,  Glasgow,  1837. 

FINDLAY,     JOHN.       New     Marflet     Gallery,     Aberdeen, 
1836-46. 

FLEMING,  JOHN.     Lyon's  Lane,  Port  Glasgow,  1836. 

FLETCHER,  ROBERT  GRAHAM.     Edinburgh,  1825-51. 

75  Princes  Street,  1825;  24  George  Street,  1836; 
31  Frederick  Street,  1846;  died  1851. 

See  also  note  on  Whitelaw  and  Fletcher. 

FLETCHER  &   HUNTER.     31    Frederick   Street,   Edin- 
burgh, 1850. 

K 


146  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

FLIGHT,  ALEXANDER.     Cupar-Fife,  1820-35. 

FLIGHT,  BLAIR.     Kinross,  1775-99. 

"  WATCHES  STOLEN. — On  the  night  between  Sunday 
the  5th  and  Monday  the  6th  March,  curt,  the  shop  of 
Blair  Flight,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker  in  Kinross,  was 
broken  into  and  eleven  silver  watches,  the  silver  cases 
of  a  watch,  and  some  old  silver  carried  off.  The  makers 
and  numbers  of  eight  of  these  watches  are  as  follows, 
viz.: — J.  Wallfo,  London,  No.  3346;  Jas.  Willis,  Bright- 
hampton,  No.  801  ;  Jhn.  Laudern,  without  a  number; 
Jo.  Bond,  London,  No.  3210;  C.  Gratton,  London, 
without  a  number  (this  watch  had  a  copper  case) ;  Allan, 
London,  No.  3519;  C.  Clay,  London,  No.  14860; 
Coburn,  London,  without  a  number. 

"  There  is  the  greatest  reason  to  suspect  that  the 
theft  was  committed  by  one  John  Fisher,  a  tinker  or 
hawker.  He  was  seen  in  Alloa  on  the  6th,  where  he 
was  offering  watches  and  old  silver  to  sale,  and  left 
that  place  on  the  afternoon  of  that  day,  taking  the  road 
to  Stirling,  but  he  immediately  returned  to  Alloa  Glass 
House,  inquiring  if  any  person  there  had  found  a  watch 
which  he  said  he  had  lost ;  but  getting  no  notice  of  it, 
he  again  set  out  the  same  road,  and  the  watch  was 
afterwards  found  by  a  country  lad,  and  turns  out  to  be 
the  one  marked  C.  Clay,  No.  14860.  Fisher  was  born 
in  Alloa,  where  he  resided  till  about  six  years  ago,  and 
since  that  time  his  residence  is  supposed  to  have  been 
somewhere  about  Falkirk.  His  business  of  late  was 
going  through  the  country  selling  white  iron  tankards, 
brass  candlesticks,  and  buying  old  metal.  He  is 
about  25  or  30  years  of  age,  middle-sized,  of  a  slender 
make,  brownish  complexion,  has  dark  brown  hair,  and 
there  is  the  mark  of  a  cut  on  the  left  side  of  his  upper 
lip.  He  had  on  when  he  left  Alloa  a  blue  duffle  great- 
coat with  pocket  lids  on  the  outside,  and  wore  a  small 
round  hat.  Whoever  apprehends  him,  or  gives  notice 
of  him  so  as  he  may  be  brought  to  justice,  shall  receive 
a  reward  of  Two  Guineas  from  the  above  Blair  Flight, 
to  be  paid  upon  his  being  secured.  And  it  is  entreated 
that  all  watchmakers  or  others  will  stop  any  of  the 
watches  above  mentioned  if  offered  to  sale." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  2ist  March  1775. 

FLOCKHART,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1797. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  147 

FOOT,  ROBERT.    Edinburgh,  1 755-98- 

^rd  May  1755. — "Son  of  James  Foot,  workman  in 
the  Weigh  House  of  Edinburgh  ;  booked  apprentice  to 
Archibald  Straiton,  clock  and  watch  maker." 

yd  February  1759. — "Archibald  Straiton  did,  with 
the  consent  of  the  Incorporation,  transfer  Robert  Foot,  his 
apprentice,  to  James  Cowan,  clock  and  watch  maker,  for 
the  years  yet  to  run  of  his  indentures,  and  Robert  Foot, 
cautioner,  thereby  became  bound  that  he  should  serve 
Mr  Cowan  a  year  further  after  the  expiry  of  the 
indentures." 

2Otk  June  1762. — "Discharged  of  his  indentures  by 
James  Cowan." 

\2tk    May    1798. — "Compeared    and    presented  his 

essay,  being  a  plain  eight-day  clock,  begun,  made,  and 

finished  in  the  shop  of  James  Howden,  in  presence  of 

the  said  James  Howden,  landlord,  and  Robert   Green, 

David    Murray  and    Robert  Cairnton,  essay  masters,  as 

they   declared,  which  was  found  a  well  wrought  essay, 

etc.,  and  they  therefore  admitted  him  as  a  freeman  clock 

and  watch  maker  in  this  Incorporation." — E.  H.  Records. 

FORBES,  DANIEL.     32  Shore,  Leith,  1850. 

FORBES,  FRANCIS.     Edinburgh,  1741. 

"  One  Francis  Forbes,  Watch  Chain  Maker  and 
gilder  in  water  gold,  lately  come  from  London,  lives  at 
present  at  the  fourth  storey  up  the  first  forestair  within 
the  Netherbow  Port,  and  as  there  has  never  been  any 
one  before  in  this  place  that  professed  or  could  rightly 
perform  these  branches  of  trade,  he  desires  to  inform 
all  persons  of  quality  and  others  that  he  makes  all  sorts 
of  gold  or  silver  chains  for  watches,  and  twezers  and 
neck  chains,  waistcoat  chains,  Sissor  chains,  etc.  That 
he  mends  old  ones  very  neatly  and  cleans  gold  chains, 
watch  cases,  and  any  gilded  plate  or  other  work  where 
the  gilding  is  worn  off.  He  regilds  at  an  easy  rate 
and  makes  them  look  as  well  as  at  the  first." — Caledonian 
Mercury,  22nd  January  1741. 
FORBES,  WILLIAM.  Kintore,  1837. 
FORD,  WILLIAM.  Sheriff  Brae,  Leith,  1813-30. 

Son  of  Thomas  Ford,  Custom  House,  Leith  ;  booked 
apprentice  to  John  Paterson,  Leith,  1813. 


148  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

FOREMAN,  WILLIAM,  Watchmaker,  died  at  St  Petersburg, 
1830. 

FORREST,  DANIEL.  Opposite  Tron  Church,  Edinburgh, 
1820-38. 

$th  May  1823. — "  Compeared  and  presented  a 
petition  for  admission  by  purchase,  which  was  received." 

2nd  February  1824. — "Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  clock  timepiece,  James  Gray,  landlord, 
John  Calder,  and  J.  Bain,  essay  masters.  He  paid  fifty 
pounds,  and  was  therefore  admitted  a  freeman  clock 
and  watch  maker  of  this  Incorporation." — E.  H.  Records. 

FORREST,  DAVID.  Edinburgh,  1823. 
FORREST,  JAMES.  Edinburgh,  1763. 

2.1  st  July  1763. — "Son  of  James  Forrest,  postmaster, 

of   Douglas ;    booked    apprentice    to    Robert    Clidsdale, 

watchmaker." — E.  H.  Records. 

FORREST,  SIMON.     Kirkfieldbank,  Lanark,  1800-37. 

FORREST,  WILLIAM.  49  New  Buildings,  North  Bridge, 
Edinburgh,  1825-35. 

"  William  Forrest  &  Co.  having  dissolved  copartnery, 
the  business  will  now  be  carried  on  as  hitherto  in  the 
various  departments  peculiar  to  this  establishment  by 
John  Mackay  (q.v.),  late  partner  of  the  above  firm,  in 
connection  with  Robert  Chisholm  who  has  had  many 
years'  experience  in  a  like  manner." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  4th  April  1835. 

FORRESTER,  PETER,  &  Co.     Edinburgh,  1783-96. 

"  Lost  a  new  gold  engraved  watch,  maker's  name, 
Peter  Forrester  &  Co.,  Edinburgh,  No.  755.  Any  person 
who  may  have  found  it  and  will  return  it  to  the  said 
Peter  Forrester  &  Co.  will  receive  Three  Guineas  reward. 
And  it  is  requested  that  any  watchmaker  or  others  to 
whom  it  may  be  offered  for  sale  will  immediately  give 
information  as  above."— Edinburgh  Evening  Courant^ 
30th  April  1783. 

"CLOCKS  AND  WATCHES.— Peter  Forrester  &  Co., 
having  formed  a  connection  with  Mr  Andrew  Maclean 
(q.v.),  who  has  been  regularly  bred  to  the  business  of 
watch  and  clock  making,  and  on  whose  abilities  and 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  149 

attention  the  public  can  depend,  are  by  this  means 
enabled  to  warrant  and  keep  in  order  all  clocks  and 
watches  made  or  sold  by  this  company."  —  Ibid.,  27th 
February  1792. 

This  business  came  to  an  end  in  the  year  1796,  and, 
as  the  advertisement  which  follows  explains,  failed  to 
find  a  purchaser  for  the  whole  as  a  going  concern.  The 
then  usual  practice  of  a  lottery  was  proposed  and  carried 
out.  The  details  of  the  prizes  as  regards  values,  etc., 
are  so  minute,  that  we  are  induced  to  give  them  in  full 
for  the  purpose  of  comparison  with  the  prices  realised 
nowadays  for  such  articles  when  they  come  into  the 
auction  market. 

"  LOTTERY  OF  GOLD,  SILVER,  AND  GILT  WATCHES, 
SILVER  PLATE,  ETC.—  "The  public  are  respectfully 
informed  that  as  no  person  has  come  forward  to  purchase 
the  stock  of  goods  formerly  belonging  to  Peter  Forrester 
&  Co.  of  Edinburgh,  they  will  now  be  disposed  of  by 
way  of  Lottery.  As  a  very  great  part  of  that  stock  has 
been  purchased  within  these  last  eighteen  months,  most 
of  the  goods  are  fashionable.  This  manner  of  disposal 
not  being  meant  as  a  branch  of  business  but  as  the 
only  practicable  method  of  winding  up  the  affairs,  and 
circumstances  not  permitting  that  business  to  be  any 
longer  continued  than  25th  May  next,  the  terms  are 
extremely  advantageous  to  the  Public. 

"  Tickets  being  at  the  very  low  price  of  73.  each,  and 
not  two  blanks  to  a  prize,  the  drawing  will  commence 
on  Monday  the  23rd  May  next.  As  every  circumstance 
will  be  conducted  the  same  as  in  State  Lotteries,  the 
strictest  honour  may  be  depended  on  and  the  time  of 
drawing  will  be  duly  adhered  to  :  — 

£?•  of  Value  of 

Prizes. 

I  An  elegant  enamelled  gold  watch  set  round  with       £    s.   D 
pearls,  with  lady's  gold  enamelled  chain,  plain 
gold  seal,  and  key  .  .  .  .       52  10    o 

i  An    elegant  engraved    gold     watch    with     gold 

chain,  gold  seal,  and  key  .  .  .       31   10    o 

3  Three  elegant  enamelled  gold  watches  at  £26,  55. 

each  .  ...  78  15     o 


2  Two  plain  gold  watches  at  £16,  i6s.  each. 

3  Three   second-hand   gold   watches  at   ^n,    us 

each  .  .  .  .  . 

i  One  gilt  enamelled  watch  with  gold  medallion 


33  J2     o 

34  13     o 
1212     o 


150  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

No.  of  Value  of 

Prizes.  Prizes. 

10  Ten  elegant  engraved   gilt   watches  with   ladies' 

chains  at  £$,  55.  each       .  .  .  .       52   10     o 

4  Four  gilt  enamelled  watches  with  ladies'  chains 

at  £7,  7s.    .  .  .  .  .  .       29     8     o 

10  Ten  plain  gilt  watches  with  gentlemen's  chains  at 

£4,  MS.  6d.  each    .  .  .  .  .       47     5     o 

10  Ten  plain  silver  watches  with  gentlemen's  chains 

at  £4,  145.  6d.  each  .  .  .  47     5     o 

10  Ten    silver    and    gilt    watches  with    gentlemen's 

chains  at  ^3,  135.  6d.  each  .  .  36  15     o 

i   One  set  of  silver  plate,  viz.,  Tea  Pot,  Flat  Sugar 

Basin,  and  Milk  Pail         .  .  .  24     o    o 

i   silver  porter  cup,  large  size,  with  handles  richly 

engraved     .  .  .  .  .  .       13  13     o 

i  One    dozen    silver    tablespoons,    i    tureen   ladle, 

and  2  sauce  spoons          .  .  .  15   15     o 

1  One  dozen  cut  silver  tablespoons     .  .  .860 

2  Two  handsome  table  clocks  at  ,£  10,  IDS.  each        .       21     o    o 
2  Two   eight-day    clocks    with   mahogany  cases  at 

£7,  75.  each            .             .             .             .  14  14     o 

i  One  plated  Epergne,  nine  basins     .            .  .       10  10    o 

1  One  plated  Epergne,  five  basins     .             .  .880 

2  Two  plated  tea  vases  at  £7,  7s.        .            .  .       14  14     o 
4  Four  plated  sauce  tureens  at  £6,  i6s.  6d.  each  .       27     6    o 

1  One  fine  gold  diamond  ring  .  .  7   10     o 

2  Two  fine  gold  diamond  rings  at  £$,  155.  6d.  each       11    11     o 

6  Six  fine  gold  diamond  rings  at  £$,  55.  each  .       31    10     o 

7  Consisting  of  Gold  Faux  Montres  and  snuffboxes 

with  gold  mounting  at  £4,  45.  each          .  29  8  o 

6  Six  plated  candlesticks  branches  at  £2,  i8s.  each  1780 
23  Twenty-three    pairs    of    plated    candlesticks    at 

£2,  5s.  a  pair          .             .             .             .  51  15  o 

100  prizes  at  £it  is.                                                 .             .  105  o  o 

150  prizes  at  i8s.               .....  135  o  o 

356  prizes  at  155..             .             .             .             .             .  262  10  o 

600  prizes  at  IDS.  .             .....  300  o  o 

800  prizes  at  8s.  each       .....  280  o  o 

First  drawn  ticket — Gold  necklace  and  earrings  .         880 
Last  drawn  ticket — Gold  necklace  and  earrings   .         880 

2370  prizes,  4702  blanks  (not  two  to  a  prize)  =  7072  tickets 
at  75.  each,  ^2475,  45." 

"  The  lottery  of  goods  formerly  belonging  to  P. 
Forrester  &  Co.  is  just  finished.  It  was  once  intended 
the  whole  numbers  should  be  inserted  in  the  papers,  but 
find  it  would  take  up  the  greater  part  of  the  papers. 
The  books  containing  the  tickets  will  be  found  at 
the  warehouse  lately  occupied  by  Messrs  Anderson, 
Leslie,  &  Co.,  front  stair  above  the  shop.  The  prizes 
will  be  ready  for  delivery  by  Monday.  Those  holding 
tickets  in  the  country  please  forward  them  to  their 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  151 

friends  in  town  as  no  prizes  will  be  delivered  unless  the 
tickets  are  given  up. 

"  N.B. — All  letters  upon  this  business  must  be  post 
paid,  otherwise  they  will  not  be  answered." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Coiirant,  5th  March  and  I2th  May  1796. 

Further  details  about  this  lottery  are  awanting ;  the 
only  information  that  has  been  traced  occurs  in  a  short 
paragraph  in  the  Courant,  which  informs  us  that 
No.  1804  in  Forrester's  Lottery  drew  a  prize  of  the 
value  of  £52,  i os.,  and  was  understood  to  have  been 
bought  by  a  lady  in  Paisley.  That  the  venture  was 
a  success  is  proved  by  the  number  of  imitators  of  the 
scheme  which  followed  shortly  afterwards  in  Edinburgh. 

FORSYTH,  T.  MORRICE  or  MORRISON.     TurrifT,  1835. 
FOSTER,  ISAIAH  &  Co.     184  Argyll  Street,  Glasgow,  1836. 

FOWLDS  OR  FOULDS,  ALLAN.     Kilmarnock ;  died  28th 

March  1799,  aged  80  years. 

FOWLDS,  JAMES.     Market  Lane,  Kilmarnock,  .1820. 
FRANCIS,  THOMAS.     High  Street,  Dumbarton,  1837. 
FRANK,  ANDRO  and  JAMES.    Peebles,  1564-70. 
FRANKLIN    BROTHERS.      58    New    Buildings,    North 

Bridge,  Edinburgh,  1820-35. 

FRASER,  HUGH.     Lamington  Street,  Tain,  1836. 
ERASER,  JAMES.     Perth,  1795. 

Apprenticed  to  Charles  Young,  Perth. 
FRASER,  JOHN.     30  South  Methven  Street,  Perth,  1843. 
FRASER,  JOHN.     166  Union  Street,  Aberdeen,  1846. 
FRASER,  NICHOLAS.     Haddington,  1636. 
FREEMAN,  WALTER.     Hawick,  1780. 
FRIGG,  ALEXANDER.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1759. 

Booked  apprentice  to  George  Monro,  Canongate, 
27th  December  1759. 

FRUGARD,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1701. 

Booked    journeyman    to    Paul    Romieu,  jun.,    25th 
September  1701. 
FUBISTER,  JOHN.     7  Richmond  Place,  Edinburgh,  1836. 


152  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

FULTON,  JOHN.     Fenwick,  Ayrshire,  1834. 

GALLOWAY,  WALTER.     Kilbirnie,  1776. 

A  peculiarity  of  this  maker's  clocks  is  that  the  brass 
dial  has  two  round  apertures  below  the  hands,  one 
giving  the  month  and  the  other  the  day  of  the  month. 

GALLOWAY,  WILLIAM.     Dairy,  Ayrshire,  1776. 

A  relative  of  Walter  Galloway,  Kilbirnie.  His  clocks 
have  the  same  peculiarity. 

GAMMACK,  JAMES.     Aberchirder,  Banff,  1846. 
GARDEN,  PETER.     Longside,  Aberdeenshire,  1837. 
GARDINER,  JAMES.     Perth,  1825-42. 

GARDINER  &  KYNOCK.     239  High  Street,  Edinburgh, 

1846. 
GARDINER,  PATRICK.     Perth,  1779-1800. 

Apprenticed  to  James  Young,  Perth,  1779  ;  admitted 

freeman    of    Perth    Hammermen    Incorporation,    1790. 

Was  in  business  in  Perth  up  to  1800. 

GARDINER,  PATRICK.     Edinburgh,  1812. 

Whether  this  maker  is  the  same  as  above  we  have 
been  unable  to  discover,  but  it  is  just  possible  that 
it  is  the  same  individual.  He  compeared  nth 
September  1812  before  the  Edinburgh  Hammermen's 
Incorporation,  and  presented  a  petition  craving  to  be 
admitted  a  freeman  watchmaker  in  right  of  his  wife, 
Matilda,  daughter  of  the  late  James  Aberdour,  freeman 
member  of  the  Incorporation.  The  petition  was 
granted,  and  he  paid  six  pounds  to  the  Treasurer. 

30//2  October  1812. — "Compeared  and  presented 
his  essay,  being  a  watch  movement,  begun,  made,  and 
finished  in  the  shop  of  Robert  Green,  in  his  presence  as 
landlord,  and  that  of  James  Howden  and  Alexander 
Wilson,  essay  masters,  etc." — E.  H.  Records. 

GARDINER,  PETER.     Perth,  1833. 
GARDINER,  W.  &  J.     39  High  Street,  Perth,  1837. 
GARDNER,  PETER.     High  Street,  Perth,  1820. 
GARRICK,  FERGUS.     Stranraer,  1836-50. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  153 

GARRICK,  JOHN.     Castle  Street,  Stranraer,  1836. 

GARTLY,  JOHN.     Aberdeen,  1799. 

GARVAN  &  WRIGHT.     Main  Street,  Irvine,  1820. 

GEDDES,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1728-55. 

2\st  September  1728. — "Son  to  Andrew  Geddes, 
writer  in  Edinburgh ;  booked  apprentice  to  Patrick 
Gordon,  clock  and  watch  maker." 

\2th  November  1743. — "The  which  day  James 
Geddes,  son  to  Andrew  Geddes,  writer  and  burgess  of 
Edinburgh,  late  apprentice  to  Patrick  Gordon,  watch- 
maker, presented  his  bill  for  being  admitted  a  freeman 
watch  and  clock  maker,  which  was  received  accordingly, 
and  ane  essay  and  essay  masters  were  appointed." 

%th  May  1744. — "  Compeared  James  Geddes  and 
presented  his  essay,  a  white  movement  of  a  watch,  which 
was  found  a  well  wrought  essay,  etc.  His  essay  masters 
were  John  Wilson,  Archibald  Straiton,  and  James 
Drysdale.  His  essay  was  made  in  Patrick  Gordon's 
shop,  his  landlord." — E.  H.  Records. 

"Lost  on  the  afternoon  of  Wednesday,  the  9th 
October,  on  the  high  road  betwixt  Howgate  mouth  and 
Kingside  Edge,  a  small-sized  silver  watch  with  an 
enamelled  dial  plate,  maker's  name,  James  Geddes, 
Edinburgh,  No.  160,  and  had  when  lost  a  black  silk 
string  very  much  worn,  and  in  the  outer  case  an 
equation  table,  on  the  back  of  which  is  wrote  the 
owner's  name  and  designation.  Whoever  has  found  the 
said  watch  and  will  return  it  to  James  Geddes,  watch- 
maker, Back  of  the  Guard,  Edinburgh,  shall  have  two 
guineas  reward." — Caledonian  Mercury -,  I2th  October 

1749. 

"That  on  Wednesday  28th  February  1750  last,  there 

was  dropt  or  stolen  in  the  New  Church  of  Edinburgh, 
from  a  lady's  side,  a  gold  watch,  maker's  name,  Quare, 
London,  having  a  pinchbeck  chain  with  a  cornelian  seal 
of  a  man's  head  set  in  gold.  Whoever  has  found  and 
will  return  the  same  to  James  Geddes,  watchmaker,  at 
the  back  of  the  main  Guard,  Edinburgh,  shall  be  hand- 
somely rewarded." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  ist 
March  1750. 

"To  be  sold  by  public  voluntary  roup  upon 
Wednesday  the  4th  of  February  next,  at  the  house 


154  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

lately  possest  by  the  deceast  James  Geddes,  watchmaker, 
and  now  by  his  relict,  at  the  back  of  the  Guard,  great 
choice  of  Gold,  Silver,  and  Pinchbeck  watches,  eight- 
day  clocks,  a  repeating  table  clock,  Barometers,  and 
sundry  pieces  of  the  movements  of  watches,  together 
with  the  whole  instruments  and  utensils  necessary  for 
a  watchmaker.  The  particulars  are  to  be  seen  at  any 
time  between  and  the  day  of  roup,  which  is  to  begin  at 
10  o'clock  and  to  continue  till  all  is  sold  off.  It  is 
hoped  that  those  who  are  debtors  to  the  said  James 
Geddes  will  without  delay  make  payment  to  his  relict, 
who  is  entitled  to  discharge  them,  which  will  prevent 
the  disagreeable  necessity  of  a  prosecution.  And  it  is 
expected  that  those  who  have  got  watches  out  upon 
trial  will  either  return  them  or  the  value  before  the  day 
of  roup." — Caledonian  Mercury,  i/th  January  1755. 

"  Charles  Geddes,  watchmaker,  Halifax,  served  Heir  of 
Line  and  Provision  General  to  his  father,  James  Geddes, 
watchmaker  in  Edinburgh,  dated  i8th  November  1784. 
Recorded  2$rd  November  1784." — Services  of  Heirs. 

"  Died  at  Halifax,  Nova  Scotia,  on  the  27th  September 
1810,  Mr  Charles  Geddes,  watchmaker,  aged  61  years, 
native  of  Edinburgh." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  181 1. 

GEORGE,  WILLIAM.     70  Mill  Street,  Perth,  1848. 

GERRARD,  WILLIAM.     Turriff,  1812;  died  1872. 

Apprenticed  to  James  Dalziel,  Fraserburgh,  about 
1812. 

GIBB,  JAMES.     Trongate,  Glasgow,  1846. 
GIBB,  JAMES.     Stirling,  1770. 

Entered  freeman  of  the  Incorporation  of  Hammer- 
men, Stirling,  for  his  life  only,  December  1770. 

GIBB,  WILLIAM.    Whithorn,  1836. 

GIBSON,  ADAM.     Dunse,  1777. 

GIBSON,  HENRY.     Berwick-on-Tweed,  1848. 

GIBSON,  JAMES.     40  Trongate,  Glasgow,  1809-25. 

"  Lost  last  night  a  silver  watch,  capped  and  jewelled, 
maker's  name,  James  Gibson,  Glasgow,  No.  21,  with  a 
gold  chain  and  seal.  Whoever  brings  the  same  to 
James  Gibson,  watchmaker,  40  Trongate,  Glasgow,  will 
be  handsomely  rewarded." — Glasgow  Courier,  ist 
September  1812. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  155 

"James  Gibson,  watch  and  clock  maker,  Glasgow, 
served  Heir  in  General  to  his  grandfather,  Daniel 
Gibson,  smith  in  Edinburgh,  dated  i6th  February  1824. 
Recorded  3Oth  March  1824." — Services  of  Heirs. 

GIBSON,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1758-80. 

29///  December  1758. — "John  Gibson,  son  of  James 
Gibson,  stabler,  in  the  Grassmarket,  Edinburgh,  bound 
apprentice  to  Daniel  Binny." 

2.6th  July  1766.—"  Presented  a  bill  for  being  admitted 
a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker,  which  was  received." 

^\st  January  1767. — "  Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  watch  movement,  begun,  made,  and 
finished  in  his  own  shop  in  the  presence  of  Samuel 
Brown,  landlord,  James  Duff,  Peter  Taylor,  and 
Alexander  Farquharson,  essay  masters,  which  being  a 
well  wrought  essay,  etc.,  was  accordingly  admitted." — 
E.  H.  Records. 

"  VALUABLE  MUSICAL  CLOCK  FOR  SALE. — This 
capital  piece  of  Mechanism  is  now  exposed  in  Thomson's 
Sale  Room,  No.  56  South  Bridge  Street,  Edinburgh. 
It  was  made  by  John  Gibson,  an  eminent  maker  in  this 
city,  and  is  mounted  in  an  elegant  mahogany  case, 
which  as  well  as  the  movement  is  in  complete  repair. 
The  motion  is  regulated  by  a  royal  pendulum  with  a 
dead  escapement,  and  the  music,  consisting  of  eleven 
of  our  best  old  Scots  tunes  and  a  hymn  tune,  one  of 
which  it  plays  every  hour,  is  performed  by  one  barrel 
on  a  set  of  very  sweet  toned  bells ;  it  also  plays  any  of 
the  tunes  at  pleasure.  This  clock  would  be  a  great 
acquisition  to  the  hall  of  a  mansion  house." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  ist  October  1808. 

GIBSON,  JOHN,  jun.     Edinburgh,  1780. 

Nephew  of  above ;  booked  apprentice  to  John 
Gibson,  ist  November  1780. 

27th  January  1781. — "On  the  petition  of  John 
Gibson  and  his  mother,  order  the  officer  to  call  at  the 
different  watchmakers,  and  shew  them  the  indentures, 
and  ascertain  if  none  of  them  shall  agree  to  take  the 
apprentice  on  the  same  terms  he  had  from  his  late 
uncle  and  master.  The  incorporation,  in  terms  of  the 
petition,  allow  John  Gibson  to  learn  his  craft  with  any 


156  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

master  he  can  find  and  agree  upon  his  service.  He 
shall  be  entitled  to  the  freedom  in  virtue  of  his 
indentures." 

^rd  May  1781. — "It  being  reported  that  all  and 
each  of  the  watchmakers  had  declined  to  take  John 
Gibson  on  the  terms  of  his  indenture  with  John 
Gibson  his  uncle,  the  incorporation  do  therefore  allow 
the  said  John  Gibson  to  learn  his  trade  with  any  master 
he  can  find,  and  to  have  the  benefits  of  his  indenture." 
— E.  H.  Records. 

GIBSON,  JOHN.     Bradshaw  Street,  Saltcoats,  1820-37. 

GIBSON,  JOHN.     Kelso. 

The  particulars  of  this  maker  have  been  kindly 
supplied  by  Mr  Thomas  Craig,  Kelso,  as  follows : — 
"  Towards  the  close  of  the  eighteenth  century  we  had 
in  this  town  a  man  who  seemed  to  be  a  great  mechanical 
genius,  not  only  making  clocks  with  ingenious  features, 
but  also  being  a  proficient  optician,  having  made  a 
telescope  for  the  British  Ambassador  to  Russia,  and 
another  for  the  Duke  of  Roxburghe,  for  which  he  is 
said  to  have  got  one  hundred  guineas  each.  His  gifts  as 
a  musician,  linguist,  etc.,  were  also  notable,  so  out  of 
the  common  that  many  reputed  him  to  be  rather 
uncanny." 

This  gentleman  has  taken  the  trouble  to  inquire  at 
all  the  local  clock  and  watch  makers,  asking  them  to 
keep  a  lookout  for  any  of  this  maker's  productions,  but 
without  success.  To  any  who  own  them  this  short  note 
about  a  man  of  undoubted  talent  may  be  of  interest. 

GIBSON,  JOHN.     New  Street,  Beith,  1837. 

GIBSON,  JOHN.     Glasgow,  1809. 

GIBSON,  JOHN.     Glasgow,  1841. 

GIBSON,  ROBERT.     17  Academy  Street,  Dumfries,  1820. 

GIBSON,    THOMAS.      26    Hyde    Hill,    Berwick-on-Tweed, 

1837- 
GIBSON, -.     Ayr,  1844. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  157 

GIBSON  AND  CLELLAND.     Edinburgh,  1767-72. 

If  the  reader  will  turn  to  the  notes  on  John  Gibson 
and  John  Clelland  it  will  be  seen  that  they  were  both 
fellow  apprentices  with  Daniel  Binny ;  Clelland  was  a 
transferred  apprentice.  Although  both  finished  their 
indentures  in  the  same  year,  John  Gibson  was  the  first 
of  the  two  to  become  a  freeman  of  the  incorporation, 
Clelland  being  admitted  five  years  later.  As  the  latter 
could  not  commence  business  on  his  own  account  until 
he  was  also  made  freeman  he  traded  with  his  fellow 
apprentice,  the  firm  being  known  as  Gibson  and 
Clelland.  Whether  this  was  done  openly  is  a  matter  of 
uncertainty,  as  the  copartnery  name  never  appears  in 
the  Hammermeris  Records,  but,  as  can  be  seen  by  the 
advertisement  issued  by  Clelland,  page  82,  this  came  to 
an  end  in  1773,  John  Gibson  not  unlikely  carrying  on 
the  business  at  the  established  premises  at  the  West 
End  of  the  Luckenbooths,  while  John  Clelland  com- 
menced on  the  north  side  of  the  Lawnmarket. 

GIFFEN,  ROBERT  &  SON.     Church  Street,  Campbeltown, 
1837- 

GIFFORD— The  Town  Clock  of  (Haddingtonshire). 

"  The  first  village  improvement  undertaken  by  the 
managers  of  which  we  have  notice  is  the  provision  of  a 
town  clock  in  1775.  Subscriptions  to  the  extent  of 
£$>  3s-  were  received,  and  the  balance  of  £14,  193.  was 
paid  out  of  the  town  funds,  which  were  so  low  at  the 
time  that  of  that  amount  one  of  the  managers  had  to 
advance  £2,  ios. 

"  The  clock  was  purchased  for  £20,  and  was  erected 
under  the  supervision  of  Mr  Hay  of  Hopes,1  the  factor 
of  the  Marquess  of  Tweeddale.  The  carriage  of  the 
clock  and  bell  from  Edinburgh  cost  6s. ;  painting  the 
case  and  boards  of  the  clock  steeple  meant  a  further 
expenditure  of  8s. ;  '  pottie,'  and  the  expense  of  laying  it 
on  the  bottom  of  the  spire  cost  is.  6d.  The  clock  steeple 

1  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  this  Mr  Hay  of  Hopes  is  buried  in 
the  tomb  of  George  Heriot,  senior,  in  the  Greyfriars  Churchyard, 
Edinburgh. 


158  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

was  exactly  where  it  now  is,  but,  as  some  living  still  may 
remember,  it  was  different  in  form.  The  tower  itself 
was  square,  with  Louvre  windows  just  underneath  the 
steeple.  The  steeple  could  hardly  be  called  a  steeple, 
being  simply  a  comparatively  flat  roof,  the  whole  being 
what  would  now  be  called  a  lantern  roofed  tower ;  while 
the  clock  face  was  a  large  square  board  with  painted 
lettering.  There  was  no  glass,  and  during  a  snowstorm 
the  hands  could  be  seen  steadily  pursuing  their  course 
long  after  the  figures  had  been  covered  by  the  snow. 
The  keeping  of  the  clock  formed  an  item  of  annual 
expenditure.  Robert  Bathgate  received  33.  4d.  per  half 
year  for  winding  it,  and  by  1790  this  sum  had 
been  increased  to  5s.  For  supervising  Robert  and 
attending  to  the  oiling  of  the  clock,  James  Craise  was 
paid  55.  per  annum,  a  fee  that  was  later  raised  to  los.  6d. 
In  1779  the  clock  was  cleaned  in  Edinburgh  at  a  cost  of 
los.  6d.,  John  Gibson  being  paid  the  large  sum  of  2d. 
for  taking  it  to  Edinburgh.  To  do  this  cleaning  work 
a  Haddington  man,  James  Cunningham,  was  afterwards 
employed,  and  was  paid  at  the  Edinburgh  rate,  los.  6d., 
but  apparently  he  had  in  addition  little  perquisites  for 
his  trouble,  for  in  February  1784  there  is  an  item  of 
expenditure  entered  thus  :  '  By  expense  of  a  dinner  to 
Mr  Cunningham  at  cleaning  of  clock  53.  iod.';  and  in 
1794  there  is  another  entry:  'By  an  entertainment  in 
John  M'Conners  to  Mr  Cunningham  and  assistants  at 
cleaning  the  clock,  3s.  I  id.' 

"By  the  beginning  of  the  century  the  clock  winding 
had  been  handed  over  to  a  woman,  and  first  Nanny 
Stewart  and  then  Agnes  Dixon  officiated  still  under  the 
supervision  of  Mr  Craise,  whose  annual  account  for  oil, 
etc.,  had  a  tendency  to  increase.  In  1800  it  was  £i,  is. 
By  and  by  in  1802  he  received  for  keeping  and  winding, 
£i,  53.,  and  his  son  George,  in  the  following  year,  received 
£i,  6s.  for  performing  the  same  duties.  His  successor 
in  1805  was  Peter  Begbie.  This  was  the  same  Peter 
who  was  declared  unfit  to  be  clerk  to  the  managers,  and 
who  apparently  had  almost  abnormally  developed  the 
faculty  of  looking  after  himself.  In  1815  he  received 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  159 

a  quarterly  payment  of  /s.  6d.  In  1838  the  clock 
passed  into  the  care  of  a  new  custodian,  James  Hogg 
(q.v.),  whose  remuneration  was  i/s.  6d.  half  yearly, 
this  being  a  still  further  advance.  This  old  clock  acted 
as  village  time-keeper  for  80  years,  and  was  displaced 
by  a  more  modern  article  in  1856.  The  latter  only 
retained  its  place  for  about  30  years  when  the  recon- 
structed tower  and  steeple  were  adorned  by  the  present 
time-keeper,  which  was  presented  by  the  late  Mr  P.  B. 
Swinton,  and  which  under  its  watchful  winder  always 
makes  it  possible  for  Gifford  folks  to  catch  the  train."1 

GILCHRIST,  JOHN.     Kilsyth,  1820. 
GILFILLAN,  JAMES.     Lesmahagow,  1834. 

GILGOUR,  THOMAS.     Admitted  a  watchmaker  of  Hammer- 
men Incorporation,  Elgin,  1697. 

GILL,  DAVID.     Aberdeen;  died  1877,  aged  88  years. 

"Purchased  in  1857  the  lands  of  Blair  Ythan  and 
Gavock  in  the  parish  of  Foveran.  On  his  death,  in 
1877,  at  the  age  of  88,  Mr  Gill  was  succeeded  in  the 
former  property  by  his  eldest  son,  David,  a  distinguished 
Fellow  of  the  Royal  Astronomical  Society,  and  in  the 
latter  by  his  third  son  Andrew." — JERVISE'S  Epitaphs 
and  Inscriptions. 

GILL,  PETER  &  SON.     80  Union  Street,  Aberdeen,  1846. 

GILLAN,  JOHN.     Keithhall,  Inverury,  1837. 

GILLIES,  ROBERT.     Beith,  1790. 

GILLIES,  WILLIAM.    St  Ninians,  1775. 

GILMOT,  HARIE  or  HENRY.  Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1711. 
Admitted  a  freeman  clockmaker,  Canongate  Hammer- 
men, nth  April  1711,  his  essay  being  ane  balance  of  a 
watch  and  ane  spring  pendulum.  This  is  the  earliest 
clockmaker's  name  appearing  in  the  records  of  this 
incorporation  of  this  date,  previous  ones  having  dis- 
appeared. 

1  I  am  indebted  to  the  Rev.  John  Muir,  B.D.,  minister  of  Gifford,  for 
the  above,  which  appeared  in  the  columns  of  the  haddington  Advertiser, 


160  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

GIN,  WILLIAM.     Perth,  1778. 

GLADSTONE,  JOHN.     Biggar. 

Born  22nd  August  1772;  died  8th  July  1851.  The 
above  particulars  are  noted  on  a  tombstone  in  Biggar 
Churchyard  erected  to  the  family  of  Gladstone,  to 
which  the  late  Rt.  Hon.  Wm.  E.  Gladstone  was  allied. 

GLASGOW — Notices  regarding  the  Town  Clocks  of,  from 
1576  to  1657. 

^oth  June  1576. — "Item,  to  Dauid  Kaye1  in  Carraill 
(Crail)  for  his  expenssis  in  remanyng  about  the  knok, 
he  being  send  for  iij  lib.  vjs.  viijd." 

\2th  July  1576. — "  Item,  Geivin  to  William  Herury 
to  ryn  to  Carraill  anent  the  knok  xvjs." 

2%th  July  1576. — "Item,  Geivin  to  Dauid  Kaye  for 
the  price  of  the  knok,  and  upsetting  of  hir  in  the  tolbuyth, 
quhilk  wes  borrowit  fra  Thomas  Game 

jc  lib.  (£100  Scots)." 

17 th  October  1576. — "In  presens  of  Johne  Wilsoun, 
ane  of  the  bailies  of  Glasgow,  comperit  Dauid  Kay 
in  Carrill,  and  of  his  awin  consent  and  confessioun 
renuncead  all  uther  jurisdictiounes  and  submittand 
(him)  to  the  jurisdictioun  of  the  prouest  (and)  bailies  of 
Glasgu,  in  this  cais,  to  cum  to  the  towne  of  Glasgu 
how  sone  he  be  requeyrit  be  the  prouest,  bailies, 
and  counsalle  thairof,  upone  the  expenssis  of  the  said 
touneship  of  Glasgu,  and  thair  to  set  up  and  repair 
or  mend  the  twa  knokkes,  the  ane  maid  be  himself  and 
the  uther  auld  knok  mendit  be  him,  how  oft  he  beis 
requirit  thairto  be  thame  or  ony  in  thair  name,  and  that 
upone  the  tounes  rationable  expenssis  to  be  payit  and 
done  to  him  thairfor." 

"Item,  to  Dauid  Kaye  in  Carrill  for  the  rest  of  the 
auld  knok  mendyng  and  for  his  bunteth  of  the  new 
knok  vj  lib.  xiijs.  iiijd." 

i%tk  May  1583. — "  Steine  Dikkie,  tailyeour,  is  maid 

burges  and  freman  of  this  guid  toune,  and  hes  geiffin 

his  ayth  of  fidelttie  to  the  toune  and  his  fienes,  is  assignit 

and   grantit   to   Sir  Archibald   Dikkie  for  rowlling  and 

1  See  page  124  for  further  reference  to  David  Kay. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  161 

gyding  of  the  knok,  and  for  lying  nychtlie  in  the 
tolbuith  to  rewll  and  keip  the  samyne,  and  for  helping 
and  support  of  him  to  his  bed  clais." 

"  Item,  To  Sir  Archibald  Dicky  for  keiping  of  the 
knok  iiijs.  iiijd." 

27///  January  1610. — "George  Smyth,  rewler  of  the 
Tolbuith  knok,  hes  bund  him  to  the  toun  to  rewll 
the  said  knok  for  all  the  dayis  of  his  lyfetyme  for 
the  sowme  of  tuentie  pundis  money  yeirlie,  and  siklike 
oblisses  him  to  rewll  the  Hie  Kirk  knok  and  keep  the 
same  in  gang  and  grath,  and  visie  hir  twa  seurall  dayis 
in  the  wik,  the  sessioun  payand  him  ten  merkis  yeirlie." 

^\st  March  1627. — "The  bailyeis  and  counsell 
aggreit  with  Johne  Neill  to  mak  ane  new  knok  and 
haill  furnitour  of  irne  wark,  als  sufficient  fyne  and 
worthie  as  the  great  knok  in  the  laich  stepill  of  the 
Metrapolitan  Kirk  vpoun  his  awin  expenssis  for  sax 
hundrethe  merk  to  be  payit  be  the  toun  to  him,  and  ane 
contract  to  be  drawin  vp  betuix  thame  and  him 
thairanent." 

\7th  November  1627. — "Item,  ordanes  the  thesaurer 
to  gif  to  Johne  Neill  for  chainging  the  knok  and  bywark 
ten  pundis  money." 

2$rd  August  1628. — "The  prouest,  bailyies,  and 
counsill  hes  condescendit  and  aggreit  to  gif  to  Johne 
Neill  thrie  hundrethe  merkis  money,  and  that  by  and 
attour  sax  hundrethe  merkis  quilk  the  toun  wes  bund 
to  pay  him  for  the  great  new  knok  of  the  Tolbuithe 
maid  be  him  to  the  toun  vpoun  his  awin  chairges, 
becaus  they  fand  that  he  was  ane  loser  and  the  said 
knok  was  worthe  the  foresaid  haill  sowme." 

3O///  August  1628. — "The  treasurer  to  have  a 
warrant  for  50  markis  given  to  Johne  Jaffray  forder 
nor  (more  than)  Johne  Neill  gave  him  for  forging  of  the 
knok,  becaus  it  was  lang  in  working  and  sindrie  pairtis 
thairof  wrocht  ouer  agane,  and  also  a  warrant  for  390 
markis  to  be  gevin  to  Vallentyn  Ginking,  paintour, 
for  gilting  of  the  horologe  brodis,  palmes,  mones,  the 
Kingis  armes,  an  all  paintrie  and  cullouring  thairof, 
and  of  the  justice  hous." 

L 


162  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

2ist  February  1657. — -"Appoints  the  haill  horologes 
to  be  mendit  in  letters  for  the  better  knowing  of  the 
hours,  and  that  with  all  convenience,  and  Bailie  Hall 
to  speak  James  Colquherine  thairanent,  and  to  report." 

2,§th  February  1657. — "Appoint  the  provest  and 
Johne  Walkingschaw  to  deall  with  James  Colquhone 
anent  the  couleuring  of  the  horologe  in  the  Tolbooth." 

\^th  March  1657. — "  It  is  concluded  upon  that 
Androu  Purdoune  have  the  knokis  in  rewling,  and  is 
to  have  ane  cair  of  the  haill  three  knokis  for  payment 
of  the  old  yeirlie  fie  that  was  payit  to  umquhill  Johne 

Neill." 

i^th  June  1657. — "  It  is  condescendit  and  agreed  to 
pay  to  James  Colquhone  three  hundret  and  fifty  merks 
for  to  coller  and  dress  again  the  horologis  and  gilting 
of  the  letters." 

2oth  June  1657. — "Walter  Neilsoune  made  report 
that,  conform  to  the  council's  order,  he  had  agreed  with 
Patrick  Wilsoune  for  drawing  of  the  High  Kirk  knok 
pais  quhilk  the  town  is  to  pay  hereafter  and  is  to  be 
remembered." 

%tk  August  1657. — "  It  is  concluded  and  agreed  upon 
by  the  said  magistrates  and  council  that  James  Colquhoun 
paint  and  fix  the  toun's  annes  and  year  of  God  on 
every  horologe  brod,  and  that  being  done,  grants 
warrant  to  James  Bornis  to  pay  to  the  said  James 
Colquhoun,  for  the  painting  and  coulouring  of  the  four 
horologe  brods  of  the  tolbooth  and  gilding  the  letters 
thereof  as  they  now  stand,  the  sum  of  four  hundret 
merks  out  of  the  money  collected  for  the  buckatis,  and 
what  the  said  James  does  furthur  to  the  globes  he  is 
to  be  satisfied  thairfore  be  sight  of  John  Walkingshaw." 
— Extracts  from  Glasgow  Burgh  Records,  published  by 
the  Burgh  Record  Society. 

GLASS,  JAMES.     Bannatyne,  Alexandria,  Dumbartonshire, 
1837- 

GLASS,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1692. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  163 

COLDER,  JOHN.     Alloa,  1830-45. 

"John  Colder,  Watch  &  Clock  Maker,  Mill  Street, 
Alloa,  begs  to  inform  the  inhabitants  of  the  town  and 
vicinity  that  he  continues  to  keep  on  hand  a  good 
assortment  of  Lever  and  Vertical  watches,  eight-day 
clocks,  etc.  Clocks  in  the  country  cleaned  and  repaired  " 
—Alloa  Monthly  Advertiser,  7th  May  1842. 

"  To  be  disposed  of,  the  stock  and  goodwill  of  that 
old-established  business  carried  on  here  by  J.  Colder, 
who  is  retiring  from  business.  To  any  person  possessed 
of  a  small  capital  a  more  eligible  opportunity  seldom 
occurs.  The  shop,  the  rent  of  which  is  moderate,  is 
situated  in  the  principal  street ;  application  to  be  made 
to  J.  Colder  here."— Ibid.,  7th  February  1845. 

GOODAL,  ADAM.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1744. 

Booked  apprentice  to  James  Nicoll. 
GOODFELLOW,  JOHN.     Stirling,  1765. 

Admitted  a  freeman  of  the  Incorporation  of  Hammer- 
men, Stirling,  I3th  April  1765;  had  to  make  for  an 
essay  a  lanteret  wheel  for  a  watch  and  to  redeem  it  by 
paying  the  sum  of  fifteen  shillings  sterling. 

"Stolen  this  day  from  Whitehouse,  a  silver  watch 
with  a  china  dial  plate  and  a  silver  seal  and  a  ribbon  for 
a  string  ;  maker's  name,  Fra  Haines,  London,  No.  12290. 

"  The  man  who  is  suspected  of  the  theft  had  on  a 
blue  bonnet,  a  loose  wide  coat  of  a  drab  colour,  and 
a  bundle  in  his  hand,  pock-pitted  a  little,  reddish  hair, 
and  spoke  Earse,  and  said  he  was  going  to  Inverness. 
Whoever  can  give  information  to  the  publisher  of  this 
paper,  or  to  Mr  Goodfellow,  watchmaker  in  Stirling, 
shall  have  half  a  guinea  reward." — Caledonian  Mercury, 
23rd  October  1765. 

GOODOUNE,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1680. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Richard  Milne. 

GORDON,  ADAM.     Abbey  of  Holyrood,  Edinburgh,  1797. 
GORDON,  ALEXANDER.     Dundee,  1729. 

Maker  of  the  first  clock  in  Brechin  Town  Hall. 
GORDON,  GEORGE.    Perth,  1795-1810. 

Apprenticed  to  Charles  Young,  Perth,  1795. 

"George  Gordon,  served  Heir  General  to  his  father, 
James  Gordon,  watchmaker  in  Perth,  28th  April  1807. 
Recorded  I3th  May  1807." — Services  of  Heirs. 


164  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

GORDON,  HUGH.     Aberdeen,  1748-90. 

"  That  Hugh  Gordon,  who  has  for  some  time  followed 
the  business  of  clock  and  watch  maker  at  Edinburgh, 
London,  etc.,  having  now  settled  in  this  place,  hereby 
acquaints  the  public  that  all  gentlemen  and  others  may 
be  furnished  with  new  clocks  and  watches  made  by  him- 
self, and  have  old  ones  repaired  to  the  best  advantage  at 
reasonable  rates.  And  if  any  boys  of  a  suitable  genius 
incline  to  follow  this  business  he  will,  upon  having  a  trial 
of  their  capacity,  agree  with  them  upon  reasonable 
terms.  He  lives  at  Craigie  Forbes's  house,  in  the  Broad- 
gate,  Aberdeen." — Aberdeen  Journal,  8th  November 
1748. 

"  Hugh  Gordon,  watchmaker,  begs  leave  to  acquaint 
the  gentlemen  and  ladies  who  are  so  kind  as  to  employ 
him,  that  since  his  settlement  in  Aberdeen  (from 
Edinburgh  and  London)  he  has  lost  a  much  greater 
sum  than  can  be  easily  believed,  by  people  neglecting  to 
pay  for  the  cleaning  and  repairing  of  their  clocks  and 
watches,  which  at  last  forced  him,  much  against  his 
inclination,  to  acquaint  his  employers  in  this  public 
manner  that  for  the  future  he  is  to  clean  and  mend  for 
ready  money  only,  as  every  one  must  be  sensible  with 
what  trouble  the  recovery  of  trifles  is  attended." — Ibid., 
6th  November  1753. 

"Whereas  upon  Saturday,  the  nth  of  July  instant, 
there  was  lost  about  eight  o'clock  in  the  evening  upon 
the  road  betwixt  Didhope  and  Dundee,  a  watch,  the 
case  a  pebble  mounted  with  gold,  maker's  name,  Vigne, 
No.  1432,  the  outer  case  black  shagreen  with  a  pinch- 
beck chain  and  two  seals  thereat  set  in  gold,  the  one  a 
Socrates  head,  the  other  the  Duke  of  Cumberland. 
Also  a  small  gold  locket  in  the  form  of  a  heart  set 
with  hair.  Any  person  who  has  found  the  same  and 
will  return  it  to  the  Town  Clerk's  office  in  Dundee,  or 
to  Mr  Charles  Malcolm,  at  the  General  Post  Office  in 
Edinburgh,  or  Mr  Hugh  Gordon,  watchmaker  in 
Aberdeen,  shall  be  very  handsomely  rewarded. 

"  N.B. — The  town  of  Dundee  hereby  offers  a  reward 
of  Five  guineas  to  the  finder  of  the  above  watch,  over 
and  above  what  is  given  by  the  proprietor." — Caledonian 
Mercury,  1 8th  July  1761. 

GORDON,  JAMES.     Gallowgate,  Aberdeen,  1820. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  165 

GORDON,  JAMES.    Perth,  1771-96. 

Granted  liberty  by  the  Perth  Hammermen's  Incor- 
poration to  exercise  his  trade  as  clock  and  watch  maker 
in  that  city  on  1st  July  1771. 

GORDON,  JAMES.    Beith,  1790. 

GORDON,  JAMES.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1734. 

"James  Gordon,  son  of  James  Gordon,  watchmaker 
in  Canongate,  served  Heir  General  to  his  cousin,  Roger 
Gordon  of  Dendeuch,  dated  26th  November  1736. 
Recorded  I4th  March  1737." — Services  of  Heirs. 

GORDON,  JOHN.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1747-99. 

Booked  apprentice  to  George  Miln,  Canongate, 
1747.  Admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker, 
Canongate  Hammermen,  1st  November  1762,  his  essay 
being  a  watch  verge  finished.  Entered  into  partnership 
with  Daniel  Binny  at  the  Netherbow,  Edinburgh,  in 
1773- 

GORDON,  PATRICK.     Edinburgh,  1699-1749. 

\%th  September  1699. — "Son  to  the  deceast  Alex- 
ander Gordon  of  Briggs ;  booked  apprentice  to  Richard 
Mills,  clockmaker." 

i$th  March  1715. — "  Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  viz.,  an  eight-day  pendulum  clock,  and  a  lock  to 
the  door  with  a  key,  which  was  found  a  well  wrought 
essay,  etc.  His  essay  masters  were  William  Sutor  and 
John  Dalgleish.  His  essay  was  made  in  Thomas 
Gordon's  shop." — E.  H.  Records. 

"Lost  on  Saturday,  April  the  2ist,  betwixt  the 
Gray's  Close  and  Miln's  Square,  betwixt  8  and  9  o'clock 
at  night,  a  large  gold  watch  with  Andrew  Dunlop's 
name,  with  two  gold  cases  and  a  green  silk  string  with 
a  small  seal  and  an  inscription  on  it,  Love  for  Love.  If 
any  one  can  give  notice  of  the  said  watch  to  Patrick 
Gordon,  watchmaker  in  Miln's  Square,  opposite  to  the 
Tron  Church,  shall  be  sufficiently  rewarded  for  the 
same." — Caledonian  Mercury,  26th  April  1744. 

"  On  Saturday  last  died  Mr  Patrick  Gordon,  watch- 
maker in  this  city.  We  are  told  he  has  left  several 
donations  and  mortifications,  but  the  extent  is  not 


166  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

known,  in  regard  his  executor,  Mr  Gordon  at  Garmouth, 
lives  at  a  considerable  distance." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  iQth  June  1749. 

3O///  November  1749. — "The  house  being  informed 
that  their  late  respected  fellow  freeman,  Patrick  Gordon, 
watchmaker,  deceased,  by  his  deed  of  legacy  the  I3th 
and  registered  in  the  Court  Books  of  this  burgh  the  28th 
day  of  June  last,  had  among  many  other  mortifications, 
charities,  and  donations,  legated  and  bequeathed  to  the 
Deacon  and  Masters  of  this  Incorporation  for  the  use 
and  behoof  of  the  same  the  sum  of  Twenty  pounds 
sterling,  and  that  James  Gordon,  merchant  in  Garmouth, 
to  whom  he  had  disponed  his  whole  effects,  was  ready  to 
pay  the  said  legacy  upon  a  proper  discharge.  Therefore 
the  Incorporation,  in  grateful  remembrance  of  such 
donation,  do  appoint  the  name  of  the  said  Patrick 
Gordon  to  be  put  up  in  Gold  Letters  in  their  chapel 
among  the  names  of  their  other  pious  benefactors. 

"  And  hereby  depute  and  empower  James  Yorston, 
cutler  in  Edinburgh,  their  treasurer,  for  and  in  name  of 
their  said  Incorporation,  and  as  their  Act  and  Deed  to 
receive  and  discharge  the  said  legacy  of  Twenty  pounds 
sterling,  and  everything  concerning  the  same,  to  grant 
which  the  said  Incorporation  could  do  themselves,  all 
v/hich  they  oblige  them  and  their  successors  to  hold  firm 
and  ratify  whereupon  this  act  is  made." — E.  H.  Records. 

GORDON,  ROBERT.     High  Street,  Edinburgh,  1750. 

"  Robert  Gordon  at  his  shop,  south  side  of  the  Cross, 
Edinburgh,  acquaints  the  public  that  he  has  now  ready 
for  sale  a  large  collection  of  second-hand  plate.  Gold 
watches,  chased  and  plain,  exceeding  cheap." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  I5th  March  1750. 

GORDON,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh,  1688-1743. 

yd  November  1688. — "  Brother  German  to  Alexander 
Gordon  of  Briggs  ;  booked  apprentice  to  Andrew  Brown." 

\%th  September  1703. — "  Compeared  and  presented 
his  essay,  viz.,  a  pendulum  clock  with  alarum  and  short 
swing  and  a  lock  to  the  door  with  a  key,  which  was 
found  a  well  wrought  essay,  etc.,  and  therefore  they 
admit  him  to  be  a  freeman  among  them  in  the  clock- 


LONG  CASE  CLOCK, 

In  marquetry  case.  By  Thomas 
Gordon,  Edinburgh,  1 688  -  1743. 
(See  p.  166.) 


LONG  CASE  CLOCK, 
In  coibuveil,  /naixju^try  caa 
Paul     RY}um]eX  »  Ju 
i682->r7ii2%      The,  ^roperty^  ,of,  J. 


(Seep!  328.) 


[To  face  page  166. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  167 

maker's  art.  His  essay  masters  were  Deacon  Letham 
and  Paul  Romieu ;  his  essay  was  made  in  Andrew 
Brown's  shop.  He  paid  the  boxmaster  one  hundred 
and  six  pounds  thirteen  shillings  and  four  pennies  (Scots) 
and  the  other  dues." — E.  H.  Records. 

I2tk  April  1712. — "  In  presence  of  the  Incorporation 
of  the  Hammermen  of  Edinburgh,  Thomas  Gordon, 
clockmaker,  payed  this  day  thirteen  shillings  sterling 
to  the  boxmaster  for  being  twenty-six  times  absent, 
before  he  could  get  William  Murray  his  apprentice 
discharged.  And  the  Incorporation  declare  they  will 
free  none  hereafter  of  what  absents  they  shall  be,  before 
they  get  their  apprentices  discharged." — E.  H.  Records. 

"  Lost  near  the  Causeyside  last  week,  a  new  gold 
watch,  made  by  Thomas  Gordon.  Whoever  has  found 
the  said  watch  and  returns  it  to  Thomas  Gordon,  watch- 
maker in  Edinburgh,  shall  have  five  guineas  reward." — 
Caledonian  Mercury,  I4th  October  1728. 

Thomas  Gordon  died  in  the  beginning  of  the  year 
1743,  having  been  in  business  for  a  period  of  forty 
years.  If  the  reader  will  turn  to  the  notes  on  Robert 
Fairholm  it  will  be  seen  that  the  minute  quoted  gives 
Patrick  Gordon  as  his  brother.  This  is  probably  correct, 
although  the  first  minutes  dealing  with  both  these  men 
respectively  show  that  they  were  uncle  and  nephew. 
Possibly  this  last  is  a  mistake  of  the  writer  of  the 
original  records,  but  that  undoubtedly  they  were  brothers 
is  afforded  by  the  fact  that  Patrick  Gordon  was  served 
Heir  to  his  brother  Thomas  Gordon,  2Oth  April  1749. 
Specimens  of  the  two  brothers'  art  are  exceeding  rare : 
two  of  Thomas  Gordon's  having  come  under  my  notice, 
one  in  a  marquetry  case  formerly  the  property  of 
Messrs  T.  Smith  &  Sons,  watchmakers,  George  Street, 
Edinburgh,  but  now,  we  believe,  in  London ;  the  other 
still  located  in  the  Head  Office  of  the  Bank  of  Scotland. 
One  by  Patrick  Gordon  was  seen  in  an  antiquarian 
dealer's  shop  in  Edinburgh.  All  three  show,  in  a 
marked  degree,  not  only  the  characteristics  of  the  period 
in  which  these  men  lived,  but  also  remain  as  examples 
of  the  careful  handiwork  of  capable  men. 


168  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

GORDON,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh  and  New  York,  1748. 

6th  February  1748. — "  Son  of  James  Gordon,  merchant 
in  Gartmouth  ;  booked  apprentice  to  Patrick  Gordon." 

I9//2  December  1749. — "  Anent  the  petition  offered 
by  Thomas  Gordon,  late  apprentice  to  Patrick  Gordon, 
watchmaker,  deceased,  craving  to  be  transferred  to 
another  master  for  the  remaining  space  of  his  indentures, 
and  in  terms  thereof.  And  the  said  Thomas  Gordon 
being  called  in,  and  having  pitched  upon  William  Nicol, 
watchmaker,  to  be  his  master,  and  William  Nicol 
accepted  thereof,  the  house  transfers  the  said  Thomas 
Gordon  to  be  apprentice  to  the  said  William  Nicol  for 
the  space  yet  to  run  in  the  said  indentures  on  the 
conditions  and  the  terms  thereof." — E.  H.  Records. 

The  opening  minute  in  above  shows  that  this  was  a 
son  of  the  "executor"  of  Patrick  Gordon's  will,  and 
although  the  designation  of  his  location  is  slightly  spelt 
different,  it  is  clear  that  it  is  the  same  individual.  What 
relation  he  was  to  the  two  clockmakers  is  uncertain,  but 
all  information  seems  to  point  that  he  was  another 
brother,  which  surmise,  if  correct,  made  this  Thomas 
Gordon  a  nephew.  The  choice  of  William  Nicol  as  his 
master  was  no  doubt  due  to  the  fact  that  William  Nicol 
had  served  his  apprenticeship  with  Patrick  Gordon,  and 
as  Nicol  had  only  been  made  freeman  a  year  or  so 
before,  it  was  only  natural  that  he  should  pitch  upon 
one  who  was  certain  to  be  well  known  to  him.  His 
future  movements  in  Edinburgh  after  this  date  are 
unknown,  but  in  the  year  1770  he  was  served  heir  to 
his  father,  and  is  designated  as  belonging  to  New  York. 
Of  his  career  in  this  last  city  we  have  not  the  slightest 
information,  but  as  it  is  just  possible  that  some  of  his 
descendants  are  still  in  New  York,  this  brief  but  authentic 
note  may  interest  and  be  of  value  to  them. 

GORDON,  WILLIAM.     Lauder,  1780-1805. 

\2th  December  1780.—"  Bound  apprentice  to  Turnbull 
&  Aitchison,  Edinburgh." 

21  st  December  1804, — "William  Gordon,  sometime 
apprentice  to  Turnbull  &  Aitchison,  with  which  he  had 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  169 

personally  compeared  at  a  meeting  called  together  for 
his  accommodation  on  the  I7th  curt.,  he  being  obliged  to 
leave  town  for  Lauder,  where  he  carries  on  business, 
early  next  morning.  He  craved  to  have  an  essay  and 
essay  masters  appointed  in  order  to  his  being  admitted 
a  freeman  locksmith,  which  in  the  circumstances  of  the 
case  was  granted.  His  essay  to  be  produced  at  the 
next  Whitsunday  meeting.  The  treasurer  received  nine 
pounds,  being  the  first  moiety  of  his  entry  money." 

4//z  May  1805. — "Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  a  clock  movement  begun,  made,  and  finished  in  the 
shop  of  James  Ramage,  landlord,  in  presence  of  him  and 
William  Drysdale,  James  Brackenrig,  John  Henderson, 
and  Robert  Ancrum,  essay  masters,  as  they  declared." — 
E.  H.  Records. 

It  will  be  observed  that  this  individual  received  his 
training  in  Edinburgh  and  settled  in  Lauder.  He  was 
in  business  there  in  1797.  It  is  evident  that  quite  a 
number  of  Edinburgh  trained  craftsmen  settled  in 
country  districts. 

GORDON,  WILLIAM.     60  Potterrow,  Edinburgh,  181 1. 
GORDON,  WILLIAM.     Convel  Street,  Dufftown,  1836. 
GORDONE,  THOMAS.     Aberdeen,  1595.     See  page  8. 
GORDOUNE,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1680. 

jth  February  1680. — "  Son  to  Alexander  Gordoune 
of  Edencore  ;  booked  apprentice  to  Richard  Mylne." 

GOURLAY,  JAMES.     Newton-Stewart,  1836. 

GOW,  JAMES.     Dunblane,  1837. 

GOW,  WILLIAM.    Edinburgh,  1779. 

GO  WANS,  JAMES.     East  Linton,  1837-50. 

GRAHAM,  CHARLES.     Edinburgh,  1782-90. 

1st  November  1782. — "Son  of  the  deceased  John 
Graham,  bookbinder;  bound  apprentice  to  Laurence 
Dalgleish." 

1st  November  1788. — "  Discharged  of  his  indentures." 
gth  April  1790. — Married  Elizabeth  Stewart. 

GRAHAM,  J.     Kirkintilloch,  1735. 


170  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

GRAHAM,  JAMES.     Whitburn,  1833. 

u  Elizabeth  Graham  in  Whitburn  served  Heir 
Portion  General  to  her  father,  James  Graham,  clock- 
maker  there,  dated  iQth  August  1833.  Recorded 
4th  October  1833." — Services  of  Heirs. 

GRAHAM,  JAMES.     Glasgow,  1793. 

GRAHAM,  JAMES.     High  Street,  Girvan,  1837. 

GRAHAM,  JOHN.     Church  VVynd,  Langholm,  1837. 

GRAHAM,  JOHN.     Moffat,  1837. 

GRAHAM,  JOHN.     Stirling  Street,  Airdrie,  1836. 

GRAHAM,  JOSEPH.     71  Trongate,  Glasgow,  1837. 

GRAHAM,  THOMAS.     Buccleuch  Street,  Hawick,  1837. 

GRAIG,  WILLIAM.     Stewartfield,  Aberdeenshire,  1836. 

GRANT,  ALEXANDER.     Newburgh,  Fife,  1834. 

GRANT,     ALEXANDER.      10    Bow,    Stirling,    1825  ;    died 
1875- 

GRANT,  GEORGE.     Edinburgh,  1776-83. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Joseph  Durward,  1776;  dis- 
charged of  his  indentures  28th  April  1783. 

GRANT,   JOHN.      23    Main    Street,    Anderston,    Glasgow, 
1818-41. 

GRANT,  JOHN.     I  Bishop  Street,  Glasgow,  1828-41. 
GRANT,  JOHN.     Fyvie,  Aberdeenshire,  1846. 
GRANT,  JOSEPH.     Sinclair  Street,  Helensburgh,  1837. 

GRANT,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1750-55. 

28//z  July  1750. — "Son  of  Thomas  Grant,  Bower; 
booked  apprentice  to  John  Stiell." 

2^th  July  1755. — "The  meeting  authorised  their 
Deacon,  Treasurer,  and  Masters  of  the  Locksmith's  Art 
to  transfer  William  Grant,  apprentice  to  John  Stiell, 
watch  and  clock  maker,  deceasit,  to  Robert  Clidsdale, 
for  the  space  to  run  of  his  indentures." 

Jth  February  1756. — "William  Grant  having  applied 
to  the  Incorporation  to  be  transferred  to  a  new  master, 
they  remitted  to  their  present  Deacon  and  Treasurer  to 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  171 

inquire  how  William  Grant  has  spent  his  time  since 
John  Stiell's  death,  and  according  how  he  has  behaved, 
to  transfer  him  not  to  Robert  Clidsdale,  and  in  general 
with  full  powers  to  them  to  do  therein  as  they  shall 
cause." — E.  H.  Records. 

GRANT,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1821. 

3O///  July  1821. — "  Apprenticed  to  William  Drysdale." 

GRANT,  WILLIAM.     High  Street,  Perth,  1820. 

GRAY,  ALEXANDER.     Elgin,  1754-74.     See  Elgin  Common 
Clocks,  page  137. 

GRAY,-    — .     Elgin,  subsequent  to  1820. 
GRAY,  HENRY.     Inverkeithing,  1834. 

GRAY,  JAMES.     Elgin,  1772. 

"James  Gray,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker  in  Elgin,  at 
the  sign  of  the  gold  watch,  who  has  regularly  been  bred 
to  and  practised  the  said-  business  in  all  its  different 
branches,  in  some  of  the  most  noted  shops  in  London, 
makes,  mends,  and  sells  all  sorts  of  musical,  repeating, 
and  plain  clocks,  spring  dials,  and  timepieces.  Also, 
all  sorts  of  repeating,  horizontal,  and  plain  watches,  with 
gold  or  silver,  plain  shagreen,  nuriskine  or  chased  cases, 
all  at  very  reasonable  rates,  and  after  the  latest  methods. 
As  the  communication  with  Elgin  is  frequent  and  very 
extensive,  watches  and  clocks  that  need  repair  may  be 
easily  sent  from  a  considerable  distance,  and  those  who 
do  may  depend  on  having  them  well  done  and  speedily 
returned.  As  there  have  been  many  gentlemen  bit,  or 
deceived  by  imposters  who  call  themselves  watchmakers, 
such  as  runaway  apprentices  and  the  like,  that  have  not 
the  least  pretensions  to  that  name,  but  any  gentleman 
that  is  doubtful  of  me  can  see  a  specimen  of  my  work 
and  also  have  good  security  for  what  they  entrust  me 
with.  Any  young  man  of  a  good  genius  who  has  a 
mind  to  learn  watchmaking,  may  be  properly  instructed 
by  applying  to  the  advertiser.  If  any  incline  to  clock- 
making  only  he  will  be  instructed  on  very  reasonable 
terms. 

"  N.B. — Ready  money  for  old  gold  and  silver  lace." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  i8th  September  1772. 


172  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

GRAY,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1765-1806. 

12th  February  1765. — "Apprenticed  to  Daniel  Binny, 
and  discharged  of  his  indentures,  27th  February  1771. 
Presented  a  bill  craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman 
watchmaker,  26th  July  1771.  Compeared  on  2nd  May 
1772,  and  produced  his  essay,  being  a  watch  movement 
made  and  finished  in  the  shop  of  John  Murdoch,  in 
presence  of  John  Murdoch,  landlord,  William  Nicol, 
Normand  Macpherson,  and  John  Sibbald,  essay  masters, 
as  they  declared,  etc." — E.  H.  Records. 

"James  Gray,  Watch  and  Clock  Maker,  west  end  of 
Luckenbooths,  has  now,  after  great  labour  and  at  much 
expense,  finished  a  most  elegant  musical  clock,  which  is 
allowed  by  the  nobility  and  others  who  have  seen  it  to 
be  the  most  complete  of  its  kind,  and  containing  the 
greatest  variety  of  curiosities  of  any  ever  shown  in 
this  city. 

"  It  is  proposed  to  dispose  of  the  said  clock  by  way 
of  a  lottery  at  half  a  guinea  each  ticket,  and  so  soon  as 
he  procures  a  sufficient  number  of  subscribers  the  time 
and  place  of  drawing  will  be  advertised.  The  drawing 
will  be  conducted  with  the  greatest  care  and  attention 
under  the  direction  of  persons  of  skill  and  fidelity. 

"  The  clock  goes  eight  days,  and  plays  a  tune  of 
itself  three  times  over  every  three  hours  in  the  day.  It 
plays  ten  different  tunes,  which  may  be  shifted  at 
pleasure  by  turning  a  hand  on  the  dial  plate.  While 
the  music  plays,  two  figures  dance,  and  a  musician  plays 
on  the  violin,  all  of  them  keeping  accurate  time  to 
the  music.  There  is  likewise  represented  a  landscape 
and  rural  scene,  with  a  windmill  going,  and  a  number 
of  figures  of  various  character  walking  along  in  regular 
procession.  As  also  a  distant  view  of  an  encampment, 
with  a  soldier  on  duty  constantly  walking  backward 
and  forward,  and  may  be  seen  at  No.  19  Princes  Street, 
New  Town,  any  lawful  day  from  ten  o'clock  forenoon 
till  six  in  the  evening. 

"  Subscriptions  are  taken  in  by  Andrew  Ramsay, 
at  the  Exchange  Coffee  House,  and  if  a  sufficient 
number  of  subscribers  cannot  be  obtained  in  six  weeks 
from  this  date,  Mr  Ramsay  will  return  the  gentlemen 
subscribers  their  money. 

"  N.B. — The  clock  is  valued  at  eighty  guineas." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  27th  July  1785. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  173 

"  MUSICAL  CLOCK. — James  Gray,  watchmaker,  having 
now  sold  off  (to  a  few)  the  tickets  for  the  lottery  of  his 
musical  clock,  respectfully  informs  the  Nobility,  Gentry, 
and  others  who  have  so  liberally  patronised  him  that 
the  drawing  of  the  said  lottery  is  to  be  held  in  Magdalen 
Chapel,  Cowgate,  on  Monday,  I2th  December  next,  at 
12  o'clock  noon.  He  therefore  expects  those  who 
have  subscribed  will  send  their  tickets  to  the  Exchange 
Coffee  House,  or  to  his  shop,  immediately  above  the 
entry  to  the  Tolbooth,  where  those  who  choose  yet  to 
favour  him  may  be  served  with  tickets  previous  to  the 
drawing. 

"  N.B. — He  continues  to  make,  sell,  and  repair 
all  sorts  of  watches  and  clocks  on  the  most  reasonable 
terms.  Variety  of  watch  chains,  seals,  etc." — Ibid^ 
23rd  November  1785. 

An  account  of  the  drawing  of  the  clock,  and  the 
name  of  the  successful  subscriber,  is  given  below  : — 

"On  Monday  last  the  lottery  for  the  ingenious 
musical  clock  invented  by  Mr  Gray,  clock  and  watch 
maker  here,  was  drawn  in  Magdalen  Chapel  before 
Mr  Ferguson  of  Craigdarroch,  and  Mr  Charles  Mitchell, 
writer  in  Edinburgh,  judges  to  oversee  it,  when  No.  157, 
the  property  of  Mr  Archibald  Maxwell,  writer,  was 
found  entitled  to  the  prize.  There  were  160  tickets  in 
the  wheel,  which  sold  at  IDS.  6d.  each." — Caledonian 
Mercury ,  24th  December  1786. 

Its  further  career  is  shown  by  the  following  advertise- 
ment, which  appeared  in  the  Caledonian  Mercury, 
nth  February  1788:— 

"  LOTTERY  OF  A  MUSICAL  CLOCK. — The  musical 
clock  made  by  James  Gray,  and  disposed  of  by  him  by 
lottery  some  time  ago,  is  now  again  to  be  disposed  of  in 
the  same  manner  by  the  representative  of  the  gainer. 
One  hundred  and  sixty  tickets  will  be  given  out,  and 
the  gainer  will  be  burdened  with  the  payment  of  five 
guineas,  to  be  divided  equally  among  the  holders  of  ten 
other  tickets. 

"  The  clock  goes  eight  days,  and  plays  a  tune  of 
itself  three  times  over,  every  three  hours.  It  plays 
twelve  different  tunes,  which  may  be  shifted  at  pleasure 
by  turning  a  hand  on  the  dial  plate.  The  clock  is  at 
William  Bruce's,  upholsterer  and  auctioneer,  above  the 


174  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

North  Bridge,  High  Street,  Edinburgh,  and  may  be 
seen  gratis  every  Monday,  Wednesday,  and  Saturday, 
from  12  to  3  o'clock,  where  tickets,  los.  6d.  each, 
may  be  had,  and  of  Andrew  Ramsay,  Exchange  Coffee 
House.  Notice  of  the  time  and  place  of  drawing  will  be 
given  so  soon  as  the  tickets  are  disposed,  and  the  price 
of  the  tickets  will  be  returned  if  the  drawing  does  not 
take  place  within  three  months  from  the  i$th  of 
February  1788." 

The  above  was  made  at  a  period  when  the  con- 
struction of  such  like  mechanical  movements  occupied 
the  attention  of  a  number  of  capable  men,  and  would  no 
doubt  come  in  for  a  close  inspection  by  his  fellow  crafts- 
men. Further  proofs  of  his  skill  are  shown  by  the  accurate 
performance  of  the  numerous  examples  of  his  workman- 
ship that  remain.  Some  of  these -he  dated,  and  one 
made  in  1782'  is  now  located  in  the  post  office, 
Coldingham,  Berwickshire,  and  does  duty  as  official 
timekeeper.  He  was  also,  at  his  death,  which  took 
place  in  1806,  His  Majesty's  Clock  and  Watch  Maker 
in  Scotland. 

GRAY,  JAMES,  jun.     Edinburgh,  1805-36. 

26th  January  1805. — "Son  of  above;  presented  a 
petition  craving  to  be  admitted  to  an  essay  and  essay 
masters." 

2nd  August  1806. — "  Compeared  and  produced  his 
essay,  a  watch  movement,  begun,  made,  and  finished  in 
his  own  shop,  in  presence  of  Robert  Green,  landlord, 
and  Robert  Hinmers,  Thomas  Morgan,  and  Thomas 
Sibbald,  essay  masters,  as  they  declared,  etc." — E.  H. 
Records. 

"James  Gray,  12  Parliament  Square,  respectfully 
informs  the  nobility  and  gentry  of  Scotland  and  the 
public  in  general  that  His  Majesty  has  appointed  him 
his  watch  and  clock  maker  and  keeper  and  repairer 
of  clocks  and  watches  in  his  houses  and  palaces  of 
Scotland.  J.  G.,  having  served  a  regular  apprenticeship 
with  his  father,  late  watchmaker  to  the  King,  and 
having  been  several  years  in  England,  particularly 
with  one  of  the  most  eminent  watchmakers  in  London, 
he  therefore  humbly  solicits  the  patronage  of  the 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  175 

nobility  and  gentry  and  the  public  of  Edinburgh, 
and  feels  quite  confident  that  by  strict  attention  on 
his  part  and  by  able  assistants,  he  will  execute  the 
work  entrusted  to  him  in  such  a  manner  as  to  give 
the  fullest  satisfaction  to  his  employers.  Clocks  and 
Watches  made  on  the  most  improved  principles. 
Chronometers,  Repeaters,  Musical  Watches,  and  boxes 
carefully  repaired." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  J7th 
May  1823. 

In  1825  he  removed  to  13  High  Street,  and  about 
1836  appears  to  have  removed  to  59  South  Bridge. 

GRAY,  JAMES.     38  Shore  Street,  Macduff,  1846. 
GRAY,  PETER  &  Co.     18  Bank  Street,  Edinburgh,  1850. 

GRAY,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1844. 

"  Robert  Gray,  clockmaker  in  Edinburgh,  served 
Heir  of  Provision  General  to  his  mother,  Helen  Meek, 
wife  of  W.  Gray,  joiner  there,  dated  24th  June  1844. 
Recorded  ist  July  1844." — Services  of  Heirs. 

GRAY,    ROBERT    &    SON.      78    Argyle   Street,   Glasgow, 

1837- 

GRAY,  WILLIAM.     Huntly;  died  1799. 
GREEN,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1781-1834. 

$rd  November    1781. — "Bound  apprentice  to  James 

Howden." 

^7  th  January  1789. — "Discharged  of  his  indentures." 
^th    May    1793. — "  Compeared    and    presented    his 

essay,    being    a    watch    movement,   begun,   made,   and 

finished  in  presence  of  James  Howden,  landlord,  Geo. 

Skelton,  David  Murray,  and  John  Sibbald,  essay  masters 

as  they  declared,  etc." — E.  H.  Records. 

"  WATCH  LOST. — Left  in  the  Black  Bull  Inn  on 
Tuesday  evening,  the  25th  inst.,  a  silver  watch,  maker's 
name,  Scott  and  Coutts,  London,  with  a  cairngorm 
seal  set  in  gold,  having  the  letters  P.S.  engraved  thereon, 
suspended  to  the  watch  by  a  yellow  and  black  silk 
ribbon.  Whoever  has  found  the  said  watch,  by  returning 
it  to  Mr  Green,  watchmaker,  Parliament  Square,  Edin- 
burgh, will  be  handsomely  rewarded."  —  Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  3ist  July  1806. 


176  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

2ist  May  1809. — "Married  at  Edinburgh,  Mr  Robert 
Green,  watchmaker,  to  Miss  Deuchar,  only  daughter 
of  the  late  David  Deuchar,  Esq.,  of  Morningside." 

"  Retiring  from  business.  Sale  of  superior  watches 
and  clocks  at  reduced  prices.  Robert  Green,  watch 
and  clock  maker,  Edinburgh,  returns  most  sincere 
thanks  to  his  friends  and  the  public  for  the  liberal  share, 
of  the  patronage  which  he  has  so  long  enjoyed,  and 
respectfully  informs  them  that  he  is  retiring  from 
business,  and  will,  at  greatly  reduced  prices,  dispose 
of  the  whole  of  his  valuable  stock,  consisting  of  a 
great  variety  of  Repeating  Chronometers,  Duplex 
Detached  Levers,  Horizontal  and  Vertical  Watches, 
new  and  second-hand,  in  Gold,  Silver,  and  Metal  Cases. 
A  good  choice  of  eight-day  clocks,  regulators,  spring 
clocks,  with  quarter  and  alarm  and  musical  clocks, 
gold  chains,  seals,  and  keys.  Silver,  steel,  and  gilt 
guard  chains,  with  every  other  article  connected  with  the 
trade.  200  High  Street,  Edinburgh." — Ibid.,  I4th  May 
1832. 

He  repeated  the  above  advertisement  on  22nd  May 
1834,  where  he  announces  he  is  removed  to  7  Buccleuch 
Place. 

GREENHILL,  WILLIAM,  of  London;  died  at  Leslie,  Fife, 
9th  August  1830. 

GREIG,  DAVID.      Perth,  1810-37.     99  High  Street  and  30 
St  John  Street,  Perth. 

GREIG,  DAVID.     Stonehaven,  1835. 

GREIG,    JAMES    GIBSON.     20   Princes   Street,   Edinburgh, 
1819. 

GREIG,  JAMES.     Perth,  1765-1800. 

Apprenticed  to  David  Bisset,  Perth,  1765.  Admitted 
freeman  of  the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen,  Perth, 
28th  March  1769,  on  payment  of  £6,  33.  4d.  sterling, 
as  he  had  not  served  the  full  seven  years  of  his 
indentures.  Appointed  Deacon  of  his  Incorporation 
1774-75- 

GREIG,  JOHN.     Perth,  1801-9. 

"Lost  on  Friday  last,  the  25th  of  July,  on  the  road 
betwixt  Perth  and  Glasgow,  a  box  containing  a  single 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  177 

case  jewelled  watch,  engine  turned,  Nos.  on  the  cases. 
Also  a  small  silver  glass  hunting  watch,  engine  turned, 
No.  on  the  case.  The  above  box  was  regularly  entered 
at  the  coach  office  at  Perth  to  be  forwarded  from  thence 
by  the  light  post  coach  to  Glasgow,  and  it  is  supposed  it 
has  either  dropped  from  the  coach  or  been  abstracted 
therefrom.  The  watches  are  made  on  so  peculiar  a 
construction  that  they  will  be  easily  discovered  by 
the  manufacture  at  any  distance  or  period.  A  reward 
of  five  guineas  will  be  given  to  any  person  who 
will  give  information  to  Messrs  A.  M'Donald  &  Co., 
Jewellers,  120  Trongate,  Glasgow,  or  Mr  Greig,  watch- 
maker, Perth,  which  may  lead  to  where  the  watches 
may  be  found.  The  names  of  informers  will  be  con- 
cealed."—  Glasgow  Courier,  2nd  August  1806. 

"Wanted    a    steady,   sober   watchmaker,   who    can 
repair  well.     His  salary  will  be  £50  per  annum.     Apply 
to  John  Greig,  watchmaker,  Perth." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  2oth  February  1809. 
GREY,  ERNEST.     Aberdeen,  1848. 

"DR  DUFF'S  LIBRARY  AND  APPARATUS  FUND 
FOR  CALCUTTA. — Many  of  our  friends  are  aware  that 
for  more  than  a  year  past  an  astronomical  clock  has 
been  preparing  under  the  gratuitous  superintendence  of 
Mr  Ernest  Grey,  late  of  Calcutta,  and  now  of  Aberdeen,  for 
the  Missionary  Institution.  The  clock  has  been  for  some 
time  completed,  and  on  trial  proves  a  first-rate  instru- 
ment. Under  Mr  Grey's  superintendence,  and  partly  con- 
structed by  himself,  it  has  cost  about  £80,  while  if  ordered 
from  a  London  maker  it  would  not  have  been  procured 
for  more  than  double  that  sum.  When  ready  for 
shipment  it  was  entrusted  to  the  care  of  Mr  George 
Smith  &  Sons,  who  have  not  only  forwarded  it,  but  paid 
the  whole  shipping  charges  and  insurance  from  Aberdeen 
to  Calcutta."—  The  Witness,  i6th  February  1848. 

GREY,  JAMES.     Perth,  1777-1801. 

GRIGOR,   GEORGE.     Elgin;    admitted   a    Hammerman   of 
Elgin,  1805. 

GRIMALDE,    SAMUEL.      Edinburgh,    33    Princes    Street, 
1819;  51  North  Bridge,  1822. 

We  have  been  unable  to  trace  this  individual  before 
or  after  the  above  dates,  but  his  name  comes  into  an 
amusing  skit  dealing  with  the  Calton  Hill  Observatory, 

M 


178  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

Edinburgh,  published  in  the  Scotsman,  3Oth  September 
1820.  The  introduction  of  his  name  is  to  his  credit, 
while  the  sequel  shows  that  the  Scotsman  appears  to 
have  been  cleverly  hoaxed  : 

"CALTON  HILL  OBSERVATORY. 

"  To  the  Editor  of  The  Scotsman  : — 

"  SIR, — It  is  utterly  impossible  that  any  stranger 
should  visit  your  city  without  being  impressed  with 
emotions  of  delight,  whilst  those  improvements  which 
were  pointed  out  to  me  as  of  a  more  recent  date 
impress  every  visitor  with  admiration  and  astonishment. 

"  I  am  a  seafaring  man,  Captain  of  the  Dirk  Van 
Heering  of  Schiedam,  and  for  the  first  time,  about  a 
month  ago  after  a  very  long  voyage,  moored  myself  in 
your  capital.  Having  found  it  necessary  on  my  arrival 
to  compare  my  chronometer  with  the  best  timepiece  in 
Edinburgh,  I  applied  to  a  merchant  there  to  whom  I 
had  letters  of  introduction,  and  who  was  so  kind  as 
procure  for  me  admission  to  the  Observatory  on  the 
Calton  Hill,  where  I  was  informed  the  clock  was  placed 
by  which  all  the  others  in  the  city  are  regulated. 

"  My  first  inquiry  on  reaching  the  outside  of  the 
small  apartment  (for  no  person,  I  am  told,  is  admitted 
to  a  nearer  inspection)  where  the  timepiece  is  deposited 
was  to  know  the  rate  of  the  clock's  going.  To  this 
question  the  keeper,  to  my  surprise,  answered  he  could 
not  tell.  I  next  enquired  what  was  the  difference 
between  mean  and  apparent  time,  but  to  this  and  to 
every  other  question  necessary  for  my  purpose  I  was 
mortified  in  the  extreme  to  find  the  most  profound 
ignorance. 

"  To  a  nautical  man  this  is  a  subject  of  vital 
importance,  and  before  I  proceeded  on  my  voyage  it  was 
imperative  for  me  to  ascertain  this  point,  both  for  the 
safety  of  myself  and  crew  as  well  as  for  protecting  the 
interests  of  my  owner. 

"  My  next  resource  was  to  discover  some  intelligent 
clockmaker,  and  by  advice  of  my  cousin,  who  has  charge 
of  the  Albyn  Club  House,  I  called  for  one  Grimalde  in 
Princes  Street,  whom  I  found  to  be  exactly  the  character 
I  was  in  pursuit  of.  He  has  a  very  good  transit 
instrument  of  his  own  making,  and,  to  my  delight,  I  also 
perceived  in  his  shop  the  nautical  almanac  for  the  year. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  179 

Thus  provided,  and  with  his  assistance,  I  soon  got 
extricated  from  my  dilemma,  lifted  up  my  voice,  and 
gave  thanks  to  the  obliging  artisan,  and  I  have  just 
reached  the  port  in  safety  from  which  I  date  my  present 
communication  to  you. 

"Now,  Mr  Editor,  as  the  difficulties  and  vexations 
which  I  unhappily  experienced  may  be  the  lot  of  others, 
and  in  order  to  avert  similar  evils  in  future,  I  (with 
submission)  would  recommend  that  a  register  or  journal 
of  the  rate  of  the  going  of  the  clock  in  the  Observatory 
should  be  weekly  exhibited  at  the  window  of  the  room, 
and  at  the  same  time  a  note  of  the  difference  between 
mean  and  apparent  time,  when  any  clockmaker  in  your 
city  could  at  once  furnish  to  seamen  or  travellers  the 
desideratum  of  true  time. 

"  The  Observatory  clock,  I  was  actually  informed,  is 
frequently  set  at  random,  and  when  I  was  there  it  was 
no  less  than  five  minutes  fast  Had  I  gone  to  sea  with 
such  an  error  in  my  chronometer  I  should  have  been 
thrown  no  less  than  seventy-five  miles  out  of  my 
reckoning,  or  equal  to  one  degree  and  a  quarter  of 
longitude,  a  circumstance  which  might  involve  the  most 
disastrous  consequences. 

"  May  I  beg  the  insertion  of  this  letter  in  your 
valuable  paper,  and  sure  I  am  others  will  thank  you  as 
well  as  yours,  TOM  BOWLING. 

"STRALSUNDT,  \Wi  August  1820." 

"  CALTON  HILL  OBSERVATORY. 

"We  insert  with  great  pleasure  the  letter  which 
follows  on  the  subject  of  our  title,  regretting  at  the  same 
time,  as  we  heartily  do,  that  the  communication  to  which 
it  is  an  answer  ever  appeared  in  the  Scotsman. 

"  That  it  did  so  at  all  was  owing  to  an  accident,  which 
we  need  not  explain,  but  by  which  we  were  prevented 
from  seeing  in  time  to  prevent  its  publication.  To  its 
author  we  readily  concede  that  we  have  been  occasionally 
indebted,  but  we  disapprove  entirely  of  the  spirit  and 
manner  in  which  his  letter  was  written.  A  greater 
mistake  cannot  be  committed  than  to  suppose  we  would 
on  any  occasion  lend  ourselves  to  querulous  and 
unnecessary  complaints  or  be  willing  to  publish  what 
is  obviously  calculated  to  give  pain  to  individuals 
without  being  more  obviously  calculated  to  accomplish 
some  public  good. 


180  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

"  It  has  been  uniformly  with  pain  to  ourselves  that 
we  have  inserted  any  stricture  on  individual  conduct, 
and  we  have  never  done  so  consciously  without  believing 
that  we  were  answering  the  call  of  public  weal,  and 
those  who  persist  in  a  public  course  after  the  danger  to 
which  it  leads  and  the  evils  which  it  produced  have  been 
exposed,  deserve  the  severest  reprehension,  but  so  far 
as  regards  the  Observatory  we  are  not  yet  able  to  see 
that  any  thing  has  been  wrong,  and  although  there  had, 
a  milder  and  more  delicate  proceeding  should  in  the 
first  instance  have  been  resorted  to." 

GRINLAW,  ALEXANDER.     Market  Place,  Dunse,  1837. 
GROOM,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1703. 

Booked  journeyman  to  Andrew  Brown,  I3th  May  1703. 
GROUNDWATER,  ROBERT   PATERSON.     Kirkwall,  Ork- 
ney ;  died  July  1850. 

GUTHRIE,  NICOL.     Gorbals,  Glasgow,  1764. 
GUVANE,  PATRIK.     Edinburgh,  1552.     See  page  133. 

HADDINGTON— Notices  regarding  the  Common  Clock  of 
the  burgh  of,  from  1539  to  1831. 

14^  November  1539. — "The  which  day  the  council 
think  it  expedient  to  complete  the  Knok  house  and  the 
slating  of  the  Tolbooth  this  year." 

\2th  October  1540. — "The  council  ordained  the 
treasurer  to  make  dilligens  to  set  up  the  Knok  at 
Candlemas." 

7//z  April  1687. — "John  Elliot,  surgeon  apothecary, 
depended  800  merks  for  buying  a  clock  for  the  use  of  the 
burgh  to  be  set  up  in  the  Tolbooth.  (It  cost  £2$  sterling.)" 

4th  October  1732. — "Owing  to  the  ruinous  condition 
of  the  Tolbooth  the  meeting  of  the  council  was  held  in 
the  town  library,  and  on  the  I7th  of  the  same  month 
the  steeple  clock  and  great  bell  was  ordered  to  be  taken 
down  as  a  measure  of  safety.  It  took  over  ten  years  to 
erect  a  new  steeple,  etc.,  and  on  loth  June  1745  the 
council  agreed  that  a  new  clock  should  be  provided  for  the 
town  house  to  cost  ,£30  sterling.  This  clock  was  made 
by  Roger  Parkinson,  Edinburgh.  It  required  winding 
up  every  twenty-four  hours,  which  was  performed  by 
the  bellman." 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  181 

"The  present  excellent  clock  (1831)  with  chime 
quarters  (see  below),  which  goes  eight  days,  was  made 
in  the  year  above  mentioned  by  the  celebrated  Mr 
James  Clark,  Edinburgh  (q.v.),  and  cost  with  the  fitting 
up  in  the  new  steeple  £300  (?)  The  clock  still  strikes  on 
the  fine  old  bell."— "  Records  of  the  Burgh  of  Haddington  " 
given  in  Miller's  Lamp  of  Lothian. 

"  We  have  had  pleasure  in  observing  great  improve- 
ments of  late  years  in  the  burgh  town  of  Haddington.  The 
public  spirit  of  the  Magistrates  is  nowise  abated,  and  they 
have  at  a  very  considerable  expense  nearly  finished  an 
exceedingly  handsome  spire  designed  by  our  townsman, 
Mr  Gillespie  Graham,  for  the  Town  Hall.  We  have 
been  informed  that  the  inhabitants  are  desirous  that  a 
clock  made  upon  the  most  improved  principles  should  be 
placed  in  it,  and  actuated  by  the  spirit  in  which  they 
have  supported  the  Magistracy  in  improvements  in  the 
town,  they  have  opened  a  subscription  to  raise  £200 
towards  the  sum  required  to  procure  a  clock  of  that 
description,  the  town  council  having  agreed  to  put  it  up 
in  the  spire  agreeably  to  their  wish.  Above  two-thirds 
of  the  sum  was  very  soon  made  up  in  the  town,  but  it 
being  suggested  that  the  heritors  and  resident  landward 
parishioners  would  contribute  towards  the  attaining  of 
so  desirable  an  object,  application  was  made  to  the  Earl 
of  Wemyss  and  March,  the  chief  heritor,  when  his 
lordship  most  handsomely  directed  his  name  to  be  put 
down  for  ten  guineas  in  aid  of  this  subscription." — 
Edinburgh  Advertiser,  6th  September  1831. 

HALBERT,    WILLIAM.      99    Glassford    Street,    Glasgow, 
1 800- 1 8. 

HALDANE,    CHARLES.      12    South    St    Andrew    Street, 
Edinburgh,  1825. 

HALDANE,  JAMES.     6  Princes  Street,  Edinburgh,  1811. 

"  Married  on  the  29th  April  181 1,  Mr  James  Haldane, 
watchmaker,  Princes  Street,  to  Miss  Janet  Thomson, 
daughter  of  Mr  Andrew  Thomson,  Kennetpans,  Clack- 
mannanshire." 

HALL,  JOHN.     Kirkcudbright,  1576.     See  page  214. 
HALL,  THOMAS.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1729-83. 

Admitted  freeman  clockmaker,  Canongate  Hammer- 
men, 22nd  July  1729. 


182  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

"T.  Hall,  Watch  and  Clock  Maker,  Edinburgh,  makes 
and  sells  all  sorts  of  watches  and  clocks  made  upon  the 
best  principles.  Having  studied  in  London  under  the 
ablest  masters,  and  likewise  in  Paris  where  he  resided 
some  time  and  was  under  the  inspection  of  the  most 
eminent  Geneva  watchmaker  there,  he  hopes  to  give 
satisfaction  to  those  who  please  to  favour  him  with 
their  employment.  He  has  at  present  for  sale  a 
horizontal  stop  seconds  watch,  caped,  jewelled,  and  in 
silver  cases,  made  by  the  most  ingenious  George 
Graham,  London,  who  finished  only  a  few  to  oblige 
his  intimate  friends,  so  are  rarely  to  be  met  with." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  July  1774. 

"  HOUSES  IN  CANONGATE  AND  PORTSBURGH. — 
To  be  sold  by  public  voluntary  roup  within  John's 
Coffee-house,  Edinburgh,  upon  Saturday  the  3ist  of 
January  1784,  betwixt  the  hours  of  five  and  six  in  the 
afternoon,  the  following  subjects  which  belonged  to  the 
deceased  Thomas  Hall,  late  watchmaker  in  Canongate, 
in  several  lots  following  : — 

"Lot  I.  That  lodging  or  dwelling  house  in  the 
Head  of  the  Canongate,  lately  possessed  by  Mr  Hall, 
thereafter  by  his  widow,  being  the  second  story  from 
the  ground  of  that  tenement  of  land  lying  on  the  north 
side  of  the  Head  of  the  Canongate,  above  the  close 
called  the  Uppermost  Common  Close,  consisting  of 
three  rooms  and  a  kitchen,  with  closets  and  other 
conveniences,  and  a  workshop  formerly  used  as  a 
watchmaker's  shop. 

"  The  lodging  is  well  situated  for  trade,  being  in  the 
most  public  place  of  the  Canongate  Head,  is  of  very 
easy  access,  and  particularly  adapted  for  a  Watch  or 
Clock  Maker,  the  front  of  the  house  being  fitted  up  as 
a  watchmaker's  shop,  with  a  Bow  window  and  other 
conveniences,  having  been  used  in  that  way  for  many 
years." — Caledonian  Mercury,  7th  January  1784. 

HALL,  WILLIAM.     Eyemouth,  1837. 

HALLIDAY,  PETER.     Wigton,  1837. 

HALLIDAY,  ROBERT.     Union  Street,  Kirkcudbright,  1832. 

HALLIE,  THOMAS.     Glasgow,  1721. 

HAMILTON,  JAMES.     New  Sneddon,  Paisley,  1820. 

HAMILTON,  JOHN.     Gallowgate,  Glasgow,  1783. 


MUSICAL  CLOCK, 

In  mahogany  case.  By  John  Hamilton,  Glasgow,  1750-83. 
Shown  at  the  Glasgow  Historical  Exhibition,  1911.  The  property 
of  William  B.  Smith,  Esq.,  Glasgow. 

[  To  face  page  182. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  183 

H  ANN  AY,  WILLIAM.     Above  the  Cross,  Paisley,  1805. 

HANNINGTON,      WILLIAM.       Argyle     Street,     Glasgow, 
1796;  died  22nd  February  1812. 

"Watch  lost  on  Tuesday  afternoon,  a  single  cased 
Pinchbeck  watch,  maker's  name,  Kentish,  junr.,  London, 
on  the  dial;  was  left  in  the  Black  Bull  Inn.  It  is  desired 
that  the  finder  will  bring  the  said  watch  to  Mr  Hannington, 
watchmaker,  Argyle  Street,  and  they  will  receive  a  genteel 
reward." — Glasgow  Courier,  i8th  July  1799. 

HARDIE,  JAMES.     Woodside,  Aberdeen,  1846. 

HARDIE,  WALTER  M.     Edinburgh.     See  page  25. 

HARDY,  JOHN.     17  Huxter  Row,  Aberdeen,  1837. 

HARPER,  SAMUEL.     Ayr,  1799. 

"  Allan  Stewart,  weaver,  Cunninghamhead,  served 
Heir  General  to  his  sister,  Margaret  Stewart,  wife  of 
Samuel  Harper,  watchmaker,  Ayr,  dated  7th  December 
1799.  Recorded  ist  January  1800." — Services  of  Heirs. 

HARRIS,  ALEXANDER.     Paisley,  1834. 

"Joanna    Harris    or    Thomson,   wife   of  A.    Harris, 
watchmaker,     Paisley,    served     Co-heir     of     Provision 
General    to   her    aunt,    Elizabeth     Henry,    dated     1st 
February      1841.     Recorded     8th     February     1841."- 
Seruices  of  Heirs. 

HARRIS,  ROBERT.     63  High  Street,  Paisley,  1820. 
HARRISON,  JOHN  DAVID.     Edinburgh,  1821. 

Discharged  of  his    indentures    by   George    Skelton, 
nth  May  1821. 
HARRISON,  JOHN.     16  Salisbury  Street,  Edinburgh,  1822. 

Possibly  the  same  individual  as  above. 
HARRISON,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1776. 

Bound  apprentice  to  John  Skirving,  28th  March  1776. 
HART,  JOHN  &  ROBERT.    Glasgow,  1821. 
HARVEY,  ALEXANDER.     Sanquhar,  1811. 

"GOLD  WATCH  STOLEN. — There  was  stolen  from 
the  shop  of  Alexander  Harvey,  watchmaker,  Sanquhar, 
on  Tuesday  the  24th  curt.,  a  French  Horizontal  Gold 
Watch,  maker's  name,  Godemars,  No.  2105.  Whoever 
will  bring  the  said  watch  to  the  said  A.  Harvey,  or  give 
such  information  as  may  lead  to  its  recovery,  shall 
receive  a  reward  of  Five  pounds  Sterling." — Dumfries 
and  Galloway  Courier,  ist  October  181 1. 


184  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

HARVEY,  GEORGE.     St  Ninians,  1805;  80  Baker's  Street, 
Stirling,  1834. 

Father  of  Sir  George  Harvey,  President  of  the 
Royal  Scottish  Academy. 

"Lost  on  the  night  of  Thursday,  the  I3th  curt., 
between  the  Bridge  of  Allan  and  Port  of  Stirling,  a 
silver  watch  with  a  steel  chain,  maker's  name,  George 
Monro,  B.A.,  Edinburgh.  Whoever  has  found  the  same, 
on  bringing  it  to  George  Harvey,  watchmaker,  Stirling, 
will  be  handsomely  rewarded." — Stirling  Journal,  I7th 
February  1823. 

George  Harvey  was  the  maker  of  an  eight-day  clock 
that  in  his  time,  and  even  down  to  the  present  clay,  links 
his  name  with  a  most  romantic  story.  Notices  of  this 
story  are  to  be  found  in  the  pages  of  Chambers1  s  Journal, 
dating  more  than  half  a  century  ago,  and  even  in  papers 
of  a  much  more  recent  date.  It  has  also  been  made 
the  subject  of  a  historical  ballad  entitled  "  The  Russian 
Emperor  and  the  Sailor's  Mother."  Briefly,  the  story 
rests  on  the  adventures  of  a  sailor  lad  named  John 
Duncan,  who  was  apprenticed  to  Robert  Spittal,  master 
of  a  sailing-vessel  called  the  Ann  Spittal,  of  Alloa.  He 
was,  along  with  his  master,  taken  prisoner  at  St 
Petersburg,  where  he  remained  till  he  was  set  at  liberty 
in  the  year  1804.  His  liberation  was  procured  by  the 
loving  exertions  of  his  mother,  who,  conceiving  the  idea 
of  knitting  three  pairs  of  silken  stockings  for  presenta- 
tion to  the  Russian  Emperor,  travelled  from  Stirling  to 
Paisley  to  buy  the  materials  for  her  presentation.  As 
this  was  a  distance  of  30  miles,  and  was  travelled  on 
foot,  the  sacrifice  of  time  and  trouble  makes  the  incident 
more  pathetic.  Having  finished  the  articles,  and 
enclosing  a  petition  praying  for  her  son's  release,  she 
contrived  to  interest  the  master  of  a  vessel  sailing  from 
Dysart  to  convey  the  parcel  to  the  Emperor.  Arriving 
at  St  Petersburg  he  succeeded  in  getting  the  Emperor's 
physician,  Sir  David  Wylie,  who  was  a  native  of 
Kincardine-on-Forth,  to  make  the  presentation.  Sir 
David  read  the  letter  and  translated  its  purport  to  the 
Emperor,  and  this,  coupled  with  the  extraordinary 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  185 

nature  of  the  gift,  had  the  desired  effect.  The  sailor 
lad  was  immediately  released,  and  in  recognition  of  his 
mother's  gift,  was  given  a  purse  of  gold  to  take  to  her 
from  the  Emperor.  Reunited  to  her  son  and  proud  of 
the  success  of  her  efforts,  she  resolved  to  have  in  her 
lowly  home  some  memorial  to  mark  the  happy  event. 
She  gave  George  Harvey,  who  was  at  this  date  in 
St  Ninian's — the  village  where  she  resided — an  order 
for  an  eight-day  clock,  stipulating  that  on  the  dial 
scenes  should  be  depicted  giving  the  principal  events 
of  the  story.  It  afterwards  became  located  in  the  village 
of  Dunning  in  Perthshire,  but  how  long  it  remained  there 
has  not  transpired.  Eventually  it  was  brought  to  Edin- 
burgh, where  it  was  disposed  of  by  auction  at  least  twice 
this  century,  the  last  time  being  at  the  sale  of  the  late 
Mr  Allan's  effects  at  his  house,  Belleville  Lodge,  Blacket 
Place,  on  2ist  November  1917,  when  it  brought  £46,  45. 
HARVEY,  WILLIAM.  Stirling,  1834;  died  1883.  Son  of 
above. 

"  Late  on  the  night  of  Monday  last,  or  early  on  the 
morning  of  Tuesday,  the  shop  of  Mr  William  Harvey, 
watchmaker,  Baker  Street,  Stirling,  was  entered  at  the 
back  part  of  the  premises,  by  breaking  through  some 
brickwork  below  a  window  looking  into  the  back  shop, 
and  a  great  deal  of  valuable  property  carried  away.  It 
would  appear  that  the  thieves,  before  attacking  the  brick- 
work, had  first  attempted  the  window  by  breaking  two 
panes,  but  finding  the  shutter  on  the  inside  strongly 
bound  with  iron,  they  abandoned  this  mode  of  effecting 
an  entrance.  It  would  also  appear  that  on  entering  the 
shop  they  had,  by  means  of  an  iron  chisel,  endeavoured 
to  force  the  lock  of  an  iron  safe,  where  the  greater  part 
of  Mr  Harvey's  valuable  stock  was  deposited,  and  that, 
having  failed  in  effecting  their  purpose,  they  broke  the 
lid  by  means  of  a  hammer  or  some  such  powerful 
instrument,  and  abstracted  from  the  safe  five  new  gold 
watches,  twenty-two  new  silver  watches,  about  ten 
second-hand  ones,  two  silver  snuff-boxes,  nine  pounds 
in  money,  and  a  few  other  valuable  articles.  This 
extensive  robbery  appears  to  have  been  committed 
with  no  small  degree  of  deliberation,  for,  on  the  shop 
being  entered  in  the  morning,  they  appear  to  have  very 


186 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 


carefully  selected  their  booty  from  a  number  of  less 
valuable  articles,  which  were  found  strewed  on  the  floor. 
A  candle,  nearly  burned,  was  also  found,  and  was  no 
doubt  used  for  the  purpose  of  carrying  their  intentions 
more  completely  into  effect.  Such  a  clue  to  the  thieves 
has  been  discovered  as  leaves  no  doubt  of  their  being 
very  speedily  brought  to  justice." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  7th  May  1836. 

HAUGHTON,  JOHN.     New  Castleton,  1836. 

HAY,  ANDREW.     Edinburgh,  1777. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Alexander  Dickie,  pth  August 

1777. 

HAY,  JAMES.     East  Street,  Inverness,  1793. 

"  SHOP-BREAKING  AND  THEFT. — On  the  night  of 
Wednesday  the  8th  of  January  curt.,  some  evil-disposed 
person  or  persons  broke  into  the  shop  of  James  Hay, 
watchmaker,  on  the  East  Street  of  the  burgh  of 
Inverness,  and  carried  off  from  thence  the  following 
watches : — 


A  silver  watch,  maker's  name,  H.  Butt,      London 
One  „  B.  Hosken 


No. 
8229 

H389 
1701 
1815 
4588 

15305 
129 

12744 
9006 

1109 


One  „  T.  Parsons 

One  Geo.  Clarke 

One  T.  Grafton 

One  J.  Thomson 

One  K.  M'Lennan 

One  Geo.  Clarke 

One  Thos.  Sykes 

One  large  watch  of  the  old  kind,  Michl.  Johnson,  no  value. 

One  silver  watch  cap'd,  Benj.  Taylor,  London  . 

One  silver  watch  in  pieces  that  lay  in  a  spale  box  with 
the  verge  broke,  as  also  the  cases  and  steel  chain 
belonging  to  the  said  watch.  And  a  small  gold  watch, 
box  and  case  in  one,  with  a  small  cord  and  key  and 
no  number  thereon.  Besides  a  variety  of  tools  used 
in  making  and  repairing  of  watches. 

"  It  is  entreated  that  if  any  of  the  above  articles  are 
exposed  to  sale  that  the  same  will  be  stopped  and 
information  sent  to  Simon  Fraser,  procurator-fiscal  of 
the  Sheriff  Court  of  Inverness,  who  hereby  engages  to 
pay  ten  guineas  to  any  one  that  apprehends  the  person 
or  persons  concerned  in  said  shop-breaking  and  theft 
upon  their  conviction."-  Edinburgh  Evening  Courant, 
28th  January  1793. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  187 

HAY,  JOHN.     Waterloo  Buildings,  Leith,  1822. 

"  Begs  respectfully  to  intimate  to  his  numerous 
friends  and  the  public  that  his  stock  of  watches  is  at 
present  very  complete  and  extensive,  comprehending 
Duplex  Improved  Lever,  horizontal  and.  plain  move- 
ments, upon  the  most  approved  principles,  in  gold  and 
silver  cases." — Edinburgh  Observer,  22nd  June  1822. 

HAY,  PETER.     39  Leith  Street,  Edinburgh,  1850. 
HAY,  THOMAS.     Kelso,  1814. 

"WATCH  LOST. — There  was  lost  in  College  Wynd, 
Edinburgh,  on  Wednesday,  a  silver  hunting  watch,  small 
glass,  maker's  name,  Thomas  Hay,  Kelso,  No.  40,  with 
an  orange  ribbon,  gold  ring,  and  brass  key.  Information 
has  been  lodged  with  all  the  watchmakers  should  it  be 
presented  for  sale.  Whoever  will  bring  it  to  the 
Courant  office  will  be  liberally  rewarded." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  2Qth  January  1814. 

HEARNE,  E.     Chalmers  Close,  Edinburgh,  1850. 

HEITZMAN,  JOHN.     Links,  Kirkcaldy,  1837. 

HENCHER,  THOMAS.     Musselburgh,  1776. 

HENDERSON,  EBENEZER,  LL.D.     Dunfermline,  1826. 

This  gentleman  perhaps  is  best  known  by  his 
writings,  his  book,  Annals  of  Dunfermline,  being  the 
standard  history  of  that  town.  He  was,  in  addition,  a 
clever  mechanic  and  constructor  of  astronomical  and 
other  forms  of  time-keepers.  The  following  description 
of  two  of  his  productions  are  extracted  from  his  book  : — 

"  The  ORREY  was  a  small  machine,  contained  in  a 
box  of  twelve  sides  corresponding  to  the  twelve  signs  of 
the  Ecliptic,  which  supported  a  brass  ring  on  which  were 
engraven  the  signs  and  degrees  of  the  Ecliptic,  days  of 
month,  etc.  It  exhibited  the  rotation  of  the  sun  on  its 
inclined  axis  on  25  days  6  hours,  the  solar  and  sidereal 
rotation  of  the  earth,  on  its  inclined  axis,  and  its 
revolution  round  the  sun  in  365  days,  5  hours,  48 
minutes,  57  seconds,  of  the  synodic  revolution  of  the 
moon  in  29  days,  12  hours,  45  minutes,  and  of  the 
Nodes  of  her  Orbit  in  18  years,  224  days,  and  conse- 
quently all  the  eclipses  of  the  sun  and  moon.  The 
Orrey  contained  21  wheels  and  5  pinions  and  was  12 
inches  in  diameter  and  7  inches  deep. 


188  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

"ASTRONOMICAL  CLOCK,  was  constructed  of  brass 
wheels  and  steel  pinions,  mounted  in  a  mahogany  case 
of  about  seven  feet  in  height,  and  exhibited  the  following 
astronomical  particulars,  viz.,  the  seconds,  the  minutes, 
the  hours,  day  of  the  month,  day  of  the  sun  entering  the 
sign  of  the  Zodiac,  the  time  of  the  rising  and  setting  of 
the  sun  throughout  the  year,  with  the  different  length  of 
the  days  and  nights,  the  age  and  phases  of  the  Moon ; 
the  apparent  diurnal  revolution  of  the  Sun  and  Moon, 
the  ebb  and  flow  of  the  tides  and  times  of  their 
occurrence,  solar  and  sidereal  time. 

"  The  ring  on  which  the  latter  was  shown  had  the 
necessary  motion  of  a  revolution  on  its  axis,  in  25-920 
solar  or  25-868  sidereal  years,  and  hence  supposing  the 
clock  to  keep  in  motion  for,  say,  200  years,  the  sidereal 
and  solar  motions  would  be  indicated  on  the  dial  plate 
with  great  precision.  The 'clock  contained  32  wheels 
and  7  pinions,  and  is  now  in  Liverpool." 

HENDERSON,  FRANCIS.     Musselburgh,  1790. 

"  Stolen  on  Tuesday,  June  29,  from  the  house  of 
Alexander  Clark  in  Tranent,  a  silver  watch,  maker's 
name,  David  Allan,  London,  No.  5232.  Whoever  will 
bring  the  same  to  Francis  Henderson,  watchmaker, 
Musselburgh,  shall  be  handsomely  rewarded  and  no 
questions  asked.  It  is  entreated  that  said  watch  may 
be  stopt  if  offered  for  sale  and  notice  given  as  above."— 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  I5th  July  1790. 

HENDERSON,  FRANCIS.     West  Port,  Edinburgh,  1794. 

HENDERSON,  GEORGE.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1762. 

Booked  apprentice  to  James  Panton,  Canongate,  6th 
April  1762. 

HENDERSON,  JOHN.     Kirk  Gate,  Dunfermline,  1820. 

HENDERSON,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1795-1808. 

"  Bound  apprentice  to  David  Murray,  i6th  May  1795. 
Compeared  on  29th  October,  and  presented  his  essay, 
being  a  watch  movement,  begun,  made,  and  finished  in 
the  shop  of  James  Ramage,  in  presence  of  him  and 
Robert  Green,  essay  masters,  as  they  declared,  etc 
And  in  respect  of  the  absence  of  Andrew  Wilson, 
one  of  the  essay  masters,  he  was  fined  six  shillings  and 
eightpence." — E.  H.  Records. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  189 

"  His  Majesty  has  been  pleased  to  appoint  Mr  John 
Henderson,  watchmaker  in  Edinburgh,  to  be  his  clock 
and  watch  maker  in  Scotland,  in  room  of  James  Gray, 
deceased." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  I2th  March 
1808. 

HENDERSON,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1750. 

HENDERSON,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1760. 

Booked  apprentice  to  William  Nicol,  1st  May 
1760. 

HENDERSON,  WILLIAM.     32  Nethergate,  Dundee,  1850 
HENRY,  JAMES.     Keith,  1837. 

HEPBURN,  JOHN.     Perth,  1769. 

Apprenticed  to  James  Greig. 

HERBERT,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1785-91. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Brown  &  Skelton,  2Oth 
September  1785.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  by 
George  Skelton,  October  1791. 

HERON,  ERSKINE.     Edinburgh,  1752. 

Booked  apprentice  to  George  Monro,  Canongate, 
20th  September  1752. 

HERON,  JAMES.     William  Street,  Greenock,  1836. 

HERON,  JOHN,     i  Square,  Greenock,  1797-1822. 

"  ONE  GUINEA  REWARD. — There  was  stolen  out  of 
a  house  in  Port  Glasgow,  a  watch  with  a  tortoise-shell 
outer  case,  having  the  figure  of  Hope  leaning  on  an 
anchor  and  pointing  to  a  ship,  painted  on  the  back. 
The  inner  case  was  silver,  and  the  maker's  name, 
Churchill,  London,  No.  7730.  Whoever  can  give  any 
information  of  the  said  watch  will  please  apply  to  Mr 
John  Heron,  watchmaker,  Greenock." — Glasgow  Courier, 
1 3th  May  1797. 

HERON  &  SON.     i  William  Street,  Greenock,  1836. 
HEWIT,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1816. 

Apprenticed  to  Charles  Clark,  loth  August  1816. 


190  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

HILL,  DAVID.     Edinburgh,  1761-79. 

"  Booked  apprentice  to  Andrew  Dickie,  7th  February 
1761.  On  1st  May  1779  a  petition  was  read  from 
David  Hill  setting  forth  that  his  indentures  were  lost, 
but  that  he  had  served  his  time  with  Andrew  Dickie, 
with  whom  he  was  bound  in  the  year  1761,  afterwards 
with  Daniel  Binny,  and  therefore  craving  that  the 
Incorporation  would  authorise  the  said  Daniel  Binny 
to  discharge  him,  so  as  to  entitle  him  to  the  freedom. 
Which  was  refused  in  respect  of  several  of  the  members 
declaring  that  it  consisted  with  their  knowledge  that  he 
ran  off  from  his  master  and  did  not  implement  the 
indentures." 

2Afth  July  1779. — "Anent  the  petition  of  the  watch- 
makers against  David  Hill,  an  unfreeman,  for  carrying 
on  the  trade  of  watchmaking  within  their  priviledges, 
the  Deacon,  Robert  Clidsdale,  and  Treasurer  were 
authorized  to  bring  a  complaint  against  him  before  the 
Magistrates." — E.  H.  Records. 

HILL,  GEORGE.     Bo'ness,  1844. 

HILL,  GEORGE.     Whitburn  or  Whiteburn,  1836. 

HILL,  THOMAS.     Kilbride,  1836. 

HIND,  GEORGE.     Edinburgh,  1823. 

Apprenticed  to  Robert  Bryson,  5th  May  1823. 

HINMERS,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1779-1809. 

"  Bound  apprentice  to  John  Cleland,  22nd  June  1779. 
Discharged  of  his  indentures  by  Mrs  Cleland,  I5th  June 
1786.  Compeared  on  28th  January  1797  and  presented 
his  essay,  being  a  watch  movement  begun,  made,  and 
finished  in  his  own  shop  in  presence  of  Robert  Cairnton, 
landlord,  Ebenezer  Annan,  George  Skelton,  and  James 
Howden,  as  they  declared,  etc." — E.  H.  Records. 

"  CLOCK  AND  WATCH  MAKING. — Robert  Hinmers, 
late  superintendent  to  the  business  of  Mrs  Cleland  (q.v.), 
watchmaker,  High  Street,  Edinburgh,  most  respectfully 
begs  to  inform  the  public  that  he  has  commenced 
business  in  the  watch  and  clock  making  line  on  his  own 
account,  in  that  shop  lately  possessed  by  Mr  Laing, 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  191 

saddler,  being  No.  39  South  Bridge,  nearly  opposite 
Adams  Square,  where  he  has  laid  in  a  neat  assortment 
of  Clocks,  Watches,  Chains,  Seals,  etc. 

"  R.  H.  flatters  himself  that  from  his  long  experience 
in  the  profession,  and  having  given  satisfaction  to  those 
whose  work  he  had  under  his  inspection  when  with  Mrs 
Cleland,  he  will  obtain  a  share  of  public  favour  which  it 
will  be  his  constant  study  to  merit."  —  Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  6th  June  1796. 

Admitted  a  member  of  Lodge  St  David,  Edinburgh, 

ist  December  1800. 
HISLOP,  ADAM.     Biggar;  died  7th   June    1827,   aged    74 

years. 
HISLOP,    ALEXANDER.      77    Cathcart    Street,    Greenock, 

1821. 

HISLOP,  ALEXANDER.    Glasgow,  1823. 

HISLOP,   JOHN.       Peebles,    1836;    died    I2th   June    1856, 
aged  76  years. 

"  Clock  and  Watch  Maker,  has  on  hand  an  extensive 
stock  of  new  and  second-hand  Lever,  Horizontal, 
and  Vertical  Watches,  in  silver  cases  of  the  finest  quality 
and  newest  fashion.  All  of  which  will  be  sold  con- 
siderably below  the  usual  prices,  and  at  the  same  time 
warranted  to  give  the  best  satisfaction  in  their  perform- 
ance. The  greatest  attention  paid  to  clock  and  watch 
repairs.  Orders  from  the  country  punctually  attended 
to." — Peeblesshire  Monthly  Advertiser,  1845. 

HODGE,  CHARLES.     Edinburgh,  1752-59. 

Son  to  John  Hodge,  wright,  in  New  Town  of  Sauchie  ; 
booked  apprentice  to  Andrew  Dickie,  i8th  November 
1752;  discharged  of  his  indentures,  I7th  November 
1759- 

HODGSON,  JOHN.     High  Street,  Annan,  1837. 

HODGSON,  ROBERT  &  SON.     High  Street,  Annan,  1820. 

HOG,  CHARLES.     Prestonpans,  1788. 

"  A  silver  watch  lost  betwixt  Edinburgh  and  Preston- 
pans,  maker's  name,  Saml.  Bayley,  No.  1371.  Any 
person  finding  the  same  and  returning  it  to  Mr  Charles 
Hog,  watchmaker,  Prestonpans,  or  Mr  Daniel  Douglas, 
spirit  dealer,  Potterrow,  Edinburgh,  will  be  handsomely 


192  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

rewarded.     If    a   watch    of    the    above    description    be 
offered  for  sale  to  watchmakers  or  others  it  is  entreated 
they   will   stop   it   and    give    information    as   above."- 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  nth  July  1788. 

HOG,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh,  1698. 

•  Son  to  James  Hog,  late  bailie  in  Dalkeith  ;  booked 
apprentice  to  Andrew  Brown,  i/th  September  1698. 

HOGARTH,  THOMAS.     Church  Street,  Berwick-on-Tweed, 
1806-22. 

HOGG,  ALEXANDER.     Haddington,  1790. 
HOGG,  JAMES.     Gifford,  1837. 

HOME,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1766. 

"  Robert  Home  at  his  shop  in  the  Parliament  Close, 
Edinburgh,  sells  the  late  invented  Lunar  and  Calendar 
Watch  Key,  and  the  Ass  skin  memorandum  books,  both 
made  by  patent.  The  former  ingenious  and  useful,  the 
latter  preferable  to  any  ivory  or  any  thing  formerly  used 
in  that  way,  as  the  writing  either  by  ink  or  pencil  is 
easily  rubbed  off  and  a  dry  cloth  restores  the  leaves  to 
the  same  gloss  as  before.  He  continues  to  sell  a  variety 
of  Sheffield,  Birmingham,  and  London  hardware  goods, 
and  makes  all  sorts  of  turnery  work  in  ivory  or  wood  at 
the  most  reasonable  rates." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant, 
I7th  February  1766. 

HONDERWOOD,  JAMES.     Main  Street,  Ayr,  1820. 
HOOD,  GEORGE.     Colinsburgh,  Fife,  1840-55. 

HOOD,  JOHN.     Cupar-Fife,  1840-88. 

For  many  years  one  of  the  magistrates  of  Cupar. 
He  died  in  1888  at  the  age  of  72  years. 

"John  Hood,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker,  Bonnygate, 
Cupar-Fife,  begs  to  acquaint  the  inhabitants  of  Cupar 
and  the  surrounding  towns  and  country,  that  he  has 
taken  that  shop  in  the  Bonnygate  belonging  to  Mrs 
Boyd,  where  he  will  carry  on  the  above  business  in  all 
its  departments,  and  hopes  from  the  intimate  knowledge 
he  has  acquired  of  the  Trade  (having  been  for  the  last 
three  years  under  the  immediate  instruction  of  that 
eminent  workman,  Mr  R.  S.  Rentzsch,  watchmaker  to 
the  Queen  and  Royal  Family,  London),  to  merit  a  share 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  193 

of  public  patronage.  J.  H.  also  begs  to  intimate  that  he 
intends  beginning  a  watch  and  clock  club  as  soon  as  a 
sufficient  number  of  subscribers  comes  forward. 

"  N.B. — Watches  and  clocks  of  every  description 
made  and  repaired." — Fifeshire  Journal,  I2th  November 
1840. 

HOOD,  WILLIAM.    Tarbolton,  1843. 

"  William  Hood,  Tarbolton,  watchmaker,  served  Heir 
of  Line  and  Conquest  General  to  his  father,  William 
Hood,  labourer  there,  dated  29th  September  1843. 
Recorded  3rd  October  1843." — Services  of  Heirs. 

HOPE,  HUGH.     Dumfries,  1758-1828. 

Son  of  Charles  Hope,  late  barber  in  Edinburgh ; 
bound  apprentice  to  Daniel  Binny,  29th  December  1758  ; 
believed  to  have  commenced  business  in  Dumfries  about 
1770,  which  he  continued  until  1828,  when  he  died,  aged 
83  years. 

"  Hugh  Hope,  watchmaker  in  Dumfries,  served 
Co-heir  of  Provision  General  to  his  grandfather,  Alex- 
ander Hope,  Tailor  in  Edinburgh,  dated  6th  November 
1 80 1.  Recorded  I4th  November  1801." — Services  of 
Heirs. 

HOPTON,  ANTHONY  and  MATTHEW.    Edinburgh,  1799- 
1817. 

Were  wooden  clockmakers  and  evidently  brothers, 
though  occupying  different  premises,  Anthony  being 
located  at  the  back  of  the  Fountain  Well,  while  Matthew 
was  in  the  Lawnmarket.  They  were  in  business  from 
1799  up  to  1817  or  thereabout,  and  along  with  another 
maker  they  enjoyed  a  monopoly  of  the  manufacture  of 
these  humble  though  useful  articles  here.  Probably 
they  were  of  German  descent,  as  a  James  Knie  Hopton 
succeeds  to  the  business  of  a  Baltshazar  Knie  (q.v.),  who 
was  one  of  the  first  barometer  makers  in  Edinburgh,  and 
a  German.  He  is  described  as  a  grandson  of  this  man, 
and  as  the  business  was  in  the  Lawnmarket,  we  surmise 
that  they  were  closely  related.  A  son  of  Anthony, 
named  John,  carried  on  the  business  at  329  Lawnmarket 
up  to  1850. 

N 


194  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

HOPTON,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1826-50. 

"  German  Wooden  Clock  Warehouse,  22  Greenside 
Street,  Edinburgh. — James  Hopton  respectfully  informs 
his  friends  and  the  public  that  he  has  just  received  by 
the  Frankfort  Packet  a  new  and  elegant  assortment  of 
German  clocks,  in  great  variety,  which  he  will  warrant 
to  go  well.  As  his  present  stock  comprises  upwards  of 
400  clocks,  he  will  dispose  of  them  on  moderate  terms. 
German  clocks  of  all  kinds  cleaned  and  repaired. 

"TV;^.— The  old  establishment  at  46  West  Bow 
continued  as  formerly." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant, 
23rd  November  1826. 

HORN,  ALEXANDER.     Fyvie,  about  1825. 

A  self-taught  clockmaker  who  made  several  fine  clocks. 

HOURSTON,  WILLIAM.     Albert  Street,  Kirkwall,  Orkney, 

1845- 
HOUSTON,  JAMES.     59  High  Street,  Johnstone,  1836. 

HOW,  ANDREW.     Kilbarchan,  1700. 

6th  April  1700. — "  Andrew  How  of  Kilbarchan  under- 
takes to  provide  a  new  pendulum  clock  for  the  Tolbooth 
and  paint  the  dial  of  the  same  for  £12." — Burgh  Records 
of  Dumbarton. 

HOWDEN,  JAMES,  sen.     Edinburgh,  1764-1809. 

Afth  August  1764. — "  Booked  apprentice  to  Alexander 
Farquharson." 

3O///  January  1768. — "  The  Incorporation,  with  consent 
of  Alexander  Farquharson,  agreed  that  James  Howden 
should  serve  out  the  remainder  of  his  indenture  with 
James  Cowan." 

2nd  November  1771. — "Discharged  of  his  indenture 
by  James  Cowan." 

4th  November  1775. — "  Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  watch  movement,  begun,  made,  and 
finished  in  his  own  shop,  in  presence  of  James  Cowan, 
landlord,  Samuel  Brown  and  Thomas  Letham,  essay 
masters,  as  they  declared,  etc." — E.  H.  Records. 

This  maker,  by  the  excellence  of  his  production, 
soon  formed  a  large  and  lucrative  connection,  which  he 
handed  on  to  his  sons  on  his  retirement  in  1809. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  195 

Probably  there  was  not  a  better  known  business  in 
Edinburgh  at  the  beginning  of  the  nineteenth  century 
than  that  of  James  Hovvden,  Hunter  Square,  and  the 
following  advertisements  are  only  a  few  of  the  many 
that  appeared  in  the  local  newspapers,1  but  they  convey 
the  popularity  of  the  firm  and  the  changes  that  occurred 
during  his  business  career  : — 

"  Lost  betwixt  the  foot  of  Canongate  and  the  Old 
Playhouse  Close  the  2Oth  of  last  month,  a  plain  gold 
watch,  maker's  name,  Jos.  Soley,  London,  No.  129. 
Any  person  who  will  bring  the  same  to  James  Howden, 
Parliament  Square,  shall  be  handsomely  rewarded." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  1st  December  1781. 

"  Lost  a  gold  watch  on  the  Qth  curt.,  maker's  name, 
William  Clarke,  Greenock,  No.  150.  If  offered  to  any 
watchmaker  it  is  begged  it  will  be  retained,  or  if 
delivered  to  Mr  James  Howden,  Hunter  Square,  a 
handsome  reward  will  be  given  and  no  questions  asked." 
—Ibid.,  1 5th  August  1805. 

"James  Howden,  watch  and  clock  maker,  Hunter 
Square,  begs  leave  to  acquaint  his  numerous  customers 
that  besides  his  former  accommodation  he  now  occupies 
that  part  of  his  present  shop  lately  possessed  by  his 
brother,  and  that  he  is  assisted  in  the  operative 
departments  of  his  business  by  his  son,  who  has  been 
bred  under  one  of  the  most  eminent  watchmakers  in 
London,  and  flatters  himself  by  having  added  also 
largely  to  his  former  stock  he  will  have  it  in  his  power 
to  give  complete  satisfaction  to  his  employers." — 
Edinburgh  Advertiser,  nth  June  1805. 

"James  Howden,  3  Hunter  Square,  Edinburgh,  in 
returning  his  warmest  thanks  to  the  numerous  class  of 
friends  and  customers  who  have  so  steadily  patronised 
him  in  business  for  a  long  series  of  years,  begs  leave  to 
intimate  to  them  and  the  public  that  he  retired  from 
business  in  December  last  (1808),  and  that  the  shop 
occupied  by  him  since  that  time  has  been  possessed  by 
his  sons  James  and  William  Howden,  the  former  as 
watchmaker,  the  latter  as  jeweller  "and  silversmith. 
They  have  been  bred  to  their  several  professions  under 
the  first  masters  in  London,  and  being  fully  confident 
of  their  strictest  attention  and  assiduity  he  presumes  to 

1  Especially  those  relating  to  articles  lost. 


196  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

solicit  on  their  behalf  a  continuation  of  that  patronage 
with  which  he  has  so  liberally  been  favoured." 

"James  Howden,  Watchmaker,  and  William  Hovvden, 
Jeweller  and  Silversmith,  respectfully  beg  leave  to 
announce  that  their  stock  of  watches  and  jewellery,  etc., 
is  complete,  and  will  be  found  at  all  times  various  and 
extensive  and  of  the  best  quality.  They  hope  by  an 
unremitting  superintendence  to  every  particular  of  their 
concerns  to  merit  a  share  of  the  public  favour." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  22nd  April  1809. 

Died  on  iSth  January  1810  at  his  house,  Borough- 
muirhead,  Edinburgh. 

HOWDEN,  JAMES,  jun.,  F.R.S.E.     Edinburgh,  1781-1842. 

"  Son  of  James  Howden,  sen. ;  compeared  on  29th 
October  1808,  and  presented  a  petition  craving  to  be 
admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker  in  right  of 
his  father  if  found  qualified,  the  prayer  of  which  was 
granted,  and  his  essay,  a  watch  movement,  to  be 
produced  at  next  quarter.  He  paid  six  pounds  as  the 
first  moiety  of  his  entry  money." 

28^/2  January  1809. — "James  Howden,  jun.,  being 
unwell,  and  this  day  being  the  day  on  which  he  was  to 
produce  his  essay,  it  was  accordingly  produced  by  James 
Howden,  sen.,  his  father,  being  a  watch  movement 
begun  and  finished  in  his  father's  shop,  in  presence  of 
the  said  James  Howden,  landlord,  and  Robert  Green, 
Thomas  Chalmers,  and  William  Auld,  essay  masters,  as 
they  declared,  etc.  Owing  to  his  non-appearance  he 
was  not  formally  admitted  a  freeman  of  the  Incorpora- 
tion of  Hammermen  until  24th  April  1809." — E.  H. 
Records. 

As  noted  before,  he  and  his  brother  succeeded  to 
the  business  of  the  father  at  the  end  of  the  year  1808. 
Large  and  flourishing  as  the  connection  was  when  taken 
over,  they  soon  made  it  even  more  so,  and  two  changes 
in  the  location  of  their  shop — the  last  being  to  the  New 
Buildings,  North  Bridge — finally  made  their  establish- 
ment one  of  the  foremost  in  the  city.  A  selection  of 
advertisements  dealing  with  these  changes  are  now 
given,  and  as  affording  a  glimpse  of  the  select  and  high- 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  197 

class  nature  of  their  business,  no  mention  is  to  be  found 
of  the  stock  phrases  of  a  number  of  their  contemporaries, 
such  as  "  moderate  prices,"  "  cheap,"  or  "  below  cost 
price,"  etc.,  showing  that  the  quality  of  their  goods 
combined  with  their  reputation  was  enough. 

"James  Howden,  watchmaker,  and  William  Howden, 
jeweller  and  silversmith,  3  Hunter  Square,  respectfully 
beg  leave  to  announce  that  their  stock  of  watches  and 
jewellery  and  silver  plate,  cutlery,  etc.,  is  now  complete  ; 
and  as  their  stock  of  the  above  and  every  article 
connected  with  the  line  of  business  will  be  found  at  all 
times  various  and  extensive  and  of  the  best  quality,  they 
hope  by  an  unremitting  superintendence  to  every 
particular  of  their  concerns  to  merit  a  share  of  the  public 
favour." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  1 8th  March  1809. 

"J.  and  W.  Howden  &  Co.  beg  leave  to  intimate 
their  removal  from  Hunter  Square  to  No.  9  South 
Bridge,  nearly  opposite  their  former  shop,  which  they 
have  this  day  opened  with  a  new  and  elegant  stock  of 
goods  in  watches,  jewellery,  and  silver  plate,  and  where 
they  solicit  the  inspection  and  patronage  of  their  friends 
and  the  public. 

"  N.B. — The  watchmaking  part  of  the  business  will 
be  conducted  as  formerly,  part  of  the  premises  having 
been  fitted  up  for  the  accommodation  of  the  workmen." 
— Ibid.,  23rd  July  1814. 

"James  Howden,  surviving  partner  of  the  late  firm 
of  J.  &  W.  Howden,  takes  the  liberty  of  informing  his 
friends  and  the  public  that  he  has  now  removed  from 
9  South  Bridge  to  that  large  and  elegant  shop,  No. 
56  New  Buildings,  North  Bridge  Street,  where  he 
continues  to  carry  on  the  business  as  formerly  in  all 
its  branches.  J.  H.  has  also  the  opportunity  by  the 
extent  of  his  premises,  and  it  will  be  found  by  the 
arrangements  which  he  has  made  that  the  watch 
making  and  watch  repairing  department  of  the  business 
will  be  so  conducted  as  to  render  this  one  of  the  best 
establishments  in  town.  J.  H.  begs  to  return  his  most 
sincere  thanks  for  the  patronage  he  has  hitherto  enjoyed, 
and  trusts  that  the  same  support  will  be  continued 
to  him  which  was  experienced  by  the  late  copartnery." — 
Ibid.y  24th  June  1824. 

"James  Howden,  Jeweller  and  Watchmaker,  56 
New  Buildings,  North  Bridge  Street,  begs  respectfully 


198  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

to  intimate  to  his  friends  and  the  public  that  he  has 
assumed  as  partner  Mr  William  Brown,  who  has  for 
several  years  been  his  assistant  in  the  business,  which 
will  in  future  be  carried  on  under  the  firm  of  James 
Howden  &  Company.  In  announcing  this  arrangement, 
James  Howden  would  at  the  same  time  acknowledge 
most  gratefully  the  liberal  patronage  with  which  he  has 
hitherto  been  honoured,  and  humbly  solicits  a  con- 
tinuance of  it  under  the  new  firm." — Ibid.,  5th  January 
1828. 

HOWDEN,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1824-32. 

Probably  a  cousin  of  above.  Advertises  on  I2th 
August  1824:  "he  respectfully  intimates  the  completion 
of  extensive  alterations  on  his  shop,  No.  9  Waterloo 
Place,  and  his  daily  receiving  the  newest  patterns  of 
silver  and  plated  goods  and  watches  from  the  best 
makers,  which,  having  been  purchased  with  ready 
money,  he  is  enabled  to  sell  at  the  lowest  price." 

HOWIE  OR  HOW,  ALLAN.     Irvine,  1774. 
HOWIESON,  GEORGE.     Crosscauseway,  Edinburgh,  1794. 
HOWIESON,  JOHN.     George  Street,  Perth,  1808-22. 

"  There  was  stolen  from  the  waiting-room,  George 
Inn,  Perth,  a  silver  watch,  maker's  name,  John  Howieson, 
Perth,  No.  101.  Should  the  watch  be  offered  for  sale 
it  is  hoped  that  it  will  be  stopped  and  notice  given  to 
Mr  Howieson,  watchmaker,  Perth." — Edinburgh  Even- 
ing Courant^  nth  May  1809. 

HOY,  THOMAS.     Kesso  (?  Kelso),  about  1778. 
HUDSON,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1746. 

Where  this  individual  belonged  to  we  have  not  been 
able  to  discover — probably  he  hailed  from  London — 
but  his  appearance  in  Edinburgh  so  early  after  the 
episode  of  "  Prince  Charlie's "  rising  shows  the  com- 
parative quiet  that  prevailed  throughout  the  country, 
lie  seems  to  have  been  one  of  a  class  of  clever 
mechanics  and  craftsmen  whom  no  difficulty  could 
daunt,  and  so  we  find  during  all  the  eighteenth  century 
and  part  of  the  nineteenth  men  such  as  he  visiting 
all  the  busy  centres,  with  examples  of  their  own 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  199 

work,  with  the  purpose  of  earning  a  livelihood  by 
their  exhibition.  Hudson's  announcement  of  his 
exhibits  is  a  strange  mixture  of  fact  and  fancy,  but 
was  well  calculated  to  draw  the  attention  of  our  worthy 
citizens,  who  delighted  in  viewing  such  productions. 

"  It  is  too  common  a  mistake  that  persons  even 
of  a  superior  rank  are  made  bubbles  of  and  cheated 
of  their  money  by  impostors.  Among  the  many 
bad  effects  that  are  consequential  to  this,  it  is  not 
the  least  that  Arts  are  discouraged  and  the  ingenious 
ranked  with  those  pests  of  Society.  Instances  of  this 
kind  are  fresh  in  every  one's  mind,  nor  need  they  be 
repeated.  But  in  justice  to  the  public,  as  well  as  to 
endeavour  to  correct  the  false  taste  which  prevails, 
advertisement  is  hereby  made  that  there  is  arrived 
in  Edinburgh  one  of  the  greatest  curiosities  that 
perhaps  human  art  has  produced. 

"  It  is  a  musical  clock  of  surpassing  magnificence, 
but  still  to  be  more  admired  for  its  various  movements. 
It  plays  finely  on  the  Organ,  German  Flute,  and 
imitates  the  notes  of  a  variety  of  singing  birds;  it 
represents  the  Ptolemaick  as  well  as  the  true  solar 
system.  There  are  paintings  of  an  elegance  not  to 
be  expressed ;  but  what  strikes  the  spectator  most  by 
the  movements  of  the  clock — they  all  move  to  and  play 
on  different  musical  instruments  and  beat  exact  time. 
You  see  Apollo  and  the  nine  muses  in  a  concert ; 
Orpheus  charming  the  wild  beasts  in  a  forest — all 
moving  in  a  manner  extraordinar  to  describe.  You  see 
a  carpenter's  yard,  the  sawyers  at  work,  coal  engines, 
etc. ;  and,  to  conclude  this  little  sketch  of  such  an 
admirable  piece  of  art,  you  see  the  ocean  at  a  distance, 
ships  sailing  and  diminishing  by  degrees,  porpoises 
tumbling  in  the  sea  ;  a  fresh-water  pond,  swans  feathering 
themselves  and  fishing,  the  sport  of  the  dog  and  duck  ;  a 
landscape  where  you  view  wheel-carriages  passing  and 
repassing,  with  other  curiosities  too  tedious  to  mention. 
As  all  these  many  performances  are  the  effect  of  art 
alone,  the  public  will  imagine  the  vast  expense  in  finish- 
ing such  a  machine.  The  maker  and  proprietor,  William 
Hudson,  will  show  it  to  the  curious  at  one  shilling 
the  front  seats,  and  sixpence  those  backwards,  any  time 
through  the  day.  He  lives  in  Niddry's  Wynd,  opposite 
to  Mary's  Chapel.  He  has  likewise  an  Orrery,  the  first 


200  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

ever  finished  in  England,  complete  and  large,  which 
he  proposes  to  dispose  of.  A  description  would  be 
needless,  as  the  '  Literari '  are  only  judges.  He  will 
show  it  any  time  when  desired." — Caledonian  Mercury ', 
20th  March  1746. 

HUE,  JAMES,  jun.     Edinburgh,  1741. 

The  advertisement  that  follows  is  interesting,  for 
it  has  been  a  somewhat  disputed  point  as  to  whether 
there  were  any  one  in  Edinburgh  able  to  execute 
the  lacquering  of  clock  cases,  etc.,  or  not.  Generally 
put  down  as  being  the  production  of  the  Chinese  or 
Japanese,  although  there  were  a  large  number  which 
must  have  been  decorated  in  London,  James  Hue's 
announcement  makes  it  pretty  certain  that  there  was 
at  least  one  (who  lived  at  the  best  period  of  this  class 
of  work)  qualified  to  carry  it  out  in  Scotland. 

"  James  Hue,  jun.,  Gilder,  at  the  sign  of  the  Eagle, 
immediately  within  the  Netherbow  Port,  Edinburgh, 
gilds  and  japans  after  the  newest  form  and  genteelest 
fashion  all  sorts  of  joiner's  work,  such  as  clock  cases, 
corner  cupboards,  dressing  boxes,  tea-tables,  all  at  very 
easy  rates." — Caledonian  Mercury,  3ist  March  1741. 

HUME,  JOHN.     Horse  Market,  Kelso,  1836. 

HUNTER,  ALEXANDER.     New  Cumnock,  1837. 

HUNTER,  GEORGE  WILLIAM.     Perth,  1789. 

Apprenticed  to  Alexander  M'Farlane,  Perth. 

HUNTER,  JOHN.     Dunfermline,  1790-1812. 

Tailor  by  trade  ;  made  an  Astronomical  Clock,  which 
is  described  in  Henderson's  Annals  of  Dunfermline : — 

:c  The  frame  and  axles  of  the  wheels  were  made 
of  wood,  and  also  the  dial,  on  which  were  24  hours, 
and  a  number  of  indexes  or  hands.  It  showed  the 
minutes  and  hours  of  the  day  and  night,  the  rising 
and  setting  of  the  sun,  the  daily  motion  of  the  moon, 
the  rise  and  fall  of  the  tides  at  Limekilns,  and  the 
day  of  the  month.  From  1790  being  scratched  on 
the  works,  it  would  seem  to  have  been  made  this 
year.  He  also  made  a  hand  machine  to  show  the 
tides  and  predict  them,  and  like  the  clock,  most  of  the 
wheels  were  made  of  very  large  coat  buttons  of  the 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  201 

period.  He  also  used  such  buttons  to  make  the  wheels 
of  clocks  in  his  clockmaking  operations,  of  which  he 
made  several.  He  died  at  an  advanced  age  in  1812." 

HUNTER,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1824. 

Apprenticed  to  Lawson  &  Millar,  i;th  May  1824. 

HUNTER,  NATHAN.     Dock  Head,  Port  Glasgow,  1820-36 
(also  Postmaster). 

HUNTER,  PETER.     Edinburgh,  1794-1822. 

"  Found  a  gold  watch  case.  Whoever  can  prove 
it  their  property  will  please  apply  to  Mr  Peter  Hunter, 
watchmaker,  Crichton  Street,  Edinburgh."— Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  2 1st  July  1806. 

HUNTER,  PETER.     Alloa,  1786. 

HUNTER,  PETER.     13  Frederick  Street,  Edinburgh,  1846. 
HUNTER,  ROBERT.     Newtown,  Girvan,  1820. 
HUNTER,  WILLIAM.     Campbeltown,  1803-34. 

Began  business  in  1803,  and  was  succeeded  in  1834 

by   his   son,  also   named   William,  whose  son    Thomas 

still  continues  the  business. 

HUNTER,  WILLIAM.    Bridge  Street,  Dunfermline,  1820-46. 

"William     Hunter,    watchmaker     in     Dunfermline, 

served    Co -heir    of    Provision    General    to    Catherine 

Bevridge,    grocer     there,    dated     I4th    January     1846. 

Recorded  2Oth  March  1846." — Services  of  Heirs. 

HUNTER,  WILLIAM.     Stirling,  1807. 
HUSBAND,  D.     High  Street,  Kirkcaldy,  1820-37. 

HUTCHISON,  GEORGE.     Edinburgh,  1770-76. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Turnbull  &  Aitchison,  26th 
June  1770.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  26th  June 
1776. 

HUTCHISON,  GEORGE.     Stirling,  1782. 

"That  on  Thursday,  the  loth  of  October  curt,  there 
came  to  Stirling  a  young  man  who  called  himself  William 
Colquhoun,  and  said  he  was  a  youth  of  landed  property 
near  Greenock,  but  a  minor,  and  that  a  gentleman  in 
the  west  country  whom  he  named  was  one  of  his  tutors, 
and  that  when  at  home  he  lived  with  the  said  gentleman. 


20-2  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

He  bought  a  new  watch  from  George  Hutchison,  watch- 
maker, Stirling,  the  maker's  name,  Robt.  Innes,  London, 
No.  6972,  a  bar  movement  with  a  sham  repeating 
pendant,  with  a  common  steel  chain  and  key,  but  the 
young  man  made  his  elopement  without  paying  the 
watch  or  tavern  bill.  He  was  dressed  in  a  drab  duffle 
big  coat,  a  blue  undercoat  and  vest  with  yellow  metal 
buttons,  black  breeches,  and  boots.  He  is  dark  com- 
plexioned,  black  hair,  a  large  cocked  hat.  He  rides  on 
a  small  brown  horse  or  mare  inclining  to  a  switch  tail. 
It  is  entreated  that  all  watchmakers,  jewellers,  or  others 
who  may  see  the  said  watch  may  stop  the  same  and 
inform  the  Publishers  or  the  said  George  Hutchison, 
watchmaker  in  Stirling. 

"  N.B. — It  has  been  since  found  out  that  he  goes  by 
different  names,  particularly  that  of  William  Gairdner." 
— Caledonian  Mercury,  I2th  October  1782. 

HUTCHISON,  ROBERT.     Douglas,  Lanarkshire,  1836. 

HUTTON,  GEORGE.     Perth,  1780-1800. 

Apprenticed  to  Joseph  Taylor,  Perth,  1780.  Admitted 
freeman  of  Perth  Hammermen,  1798. 

HUTTON,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1685. 

Son  to  Henry  Hutton  in  Burntisland ;  booked 
apprentice  to  Richard  Mills,  I7th  December  1685. 

Idem  Die. — "  The  house  having  read  and  considered 
ane  act  against  those  that  does  not  timeously  book  their 
apprentices,  they  ordain  Richard  Mills  to  pay  to  the 
boxmaster  twenty  pound  Scots  for  not  booking  of 
his  apprentice,  James  Hutton,  in  the  incorporation's 
books  in  due  time,  and  the  boxmaster  to  be  comptable 
for  the  same,  and  in  the  meantime  appoint  his  apprentice 
to  be  booked."— £.  H.  Records. 

HUTTON,  JAMES.     Portsburgh,  Edinburgh,  1764-79. 

$th  March  1764. — "James  Hutton,  clock  and  watch 
maker  in  Portsburgh,  compeared  and  presented  a  bill  to 
be  admitted  a  clock  and  watch  maker  burgess  of  Ports- 
burgh, which  was  received  and  he  admitted  to  an  essay, 
and  essay  masters  were  appointed  to  him." 

^rd  November  1764. — "  Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  watch  movement  without  the  striking  part. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  203 

made  in  his  own  shop.  William  Colville,  his  landlord, 
Normand  Macpherson  and  Robert  White  his  essay- 
masters,  as  they  declared,  etc." — E.  H.  Records. 

"  Stolen  out  of  a  shop  in  the  West  Port,  Edinburgh, 
on  Friday,  nth  October,  a  silver  watch  with  a  china 
dial  plate.  The  man  who  stole  the  watch  'goes  under 

the  name  of Clerkson,  but  his  real  name  is  James 

Heddie.  He  is  a  young  man,  middle-sized  sturdy  lad, 
with  a  bluish  coloured  short  coat,  with  a  large  blue 
bonnet,  short  black  hair  with  coloured  stockings  drawn 
above  his  breeches,  in  appearance  like  a  drover.  Who- 
ever can  apprehend  the  above  person  may  acquaint  or 
write  to  James  Hutton,  watchmaker  in  Portsburgh  of 
Edinburgh,  and  shall  be  sufficiently  rewarded." — Cale- 
donian Mercury -,  I4th  October  1765. 

HUTTON,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1768-74. 

Bound  apprentice  to  James  Cowan,  5th  March  1768. 
Discharged  of  his  indentures  22nd  April  1774. 

IBACH,  ALEXANDER.    14  St  David  Street,  Edinburgh,  1831 
Watchmaker  from  Geneva. 

"  To  those  ladies  or  gentlemen  in  Edinburgh  or  its 
vicinity  who  are  in  possession  of  French  watches,  clocks 
and  musical  boxes,  A.  Ibach  begs  most  respectfully  to 
give  notice  that  he  has  arrived  from  Paris  to  undertake 
the  repairing  of  these  articles.  A.  I.  has  also  an  assort- 
ment of  Lepine  Watches  and  Musical  Boxes  imported 
by  himself  and  warranted  to  go  well.  Reference  in 
Edinburgh  to  Mr  Wilson,  21  George  Street,  corre- 
spondent of  Messrs  Vieyres  and  Aubert  in  London,  and 
Messrs  Molinier  and  Bautte  from  Geneva." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  I5th  October  1831. 

"A.  Ibach,  watchmaker  from  Geneva,  in  returning 
his  most  sincere  thanks  to  the  nobility  and  gentry  for 
their  liberal  support  since  his  arrival  in  Edinburgh,  begs 
leave  to  mention  that  he  has  removed  from  St  David 
Street,  to  that  more  commodious  shop,  24  South 
Hanover  Street,  where  he  will  continue  the  repairing 
watches  of  every  description,  also  Musical  Boxes." — 
Ibid.,  2nd  June  1832. 

INGLIS,  WALTER.    Glasgow,  1813. 

INGLIS,  WILLIAM.     Hope's  Land,  Canongate,  Edinburgh, 
iSu. 


204  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

INGRAM,  RICHARD.     156  High  Street,  Dumfries,  1820-37. 
INGRAM,  WILLIAM.     8  New  Market  Street,  Ayr,  1836. 
INGRAM  &  SON.     106  High  Street,  Ayr,  1850. 
INGRAM,  WILLIAM.     St  Germain  Street,  Catrine,  1850. 
INKSTER,  HENRY.     Stromness,  Orkney,  1836. 
INNES,  ALEXANDER.     Dalkeith,  1783-1824. 

"  Lost  betwixt  Dalkeith  and  Gilmerton  on  Monday 
the  2  ist  of  April  current,  a  small-sized  silver  watch 
with  an  enamelled  dial,  steel  chain,  and  silver  seal  with 
a  pebble  stone,  maker's  name,  Thomas  Winter,  London, 
No.  775.  If  the  same  is  offered  to  be  sold  or  repaired, 
it  is  expected  that  watchmakers  or  others  into  whose 
hands  it  may  come  will  stop  it  and  acquaint  John 
Murdoch,  watchmaker,  Edinburgh,  or  Mr  Innes,  watch- 
maker, Dalkeith,  who  will  give  a  suitable  reward." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  23rd  April  1783. 

"Died  at  Dalkeith  on  the  I3th  September  1824,  Mr 
Alexander  Innes,  watchmaker,  aged  67  years." — Obituary 
notice  in  Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  iSth  September 
1824. 

INNES,  DAVID.     Edinburgh,  1785. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Thomas  Morgan,  3Oth  July  1785. 

INNES,  GEORGE.     58  Argyll  Street,  Glasgow,  1828-41. 

INNES,  GEORGE.     Aberdeen,  1820;   died  22nd  May  1842. 
Well   known  for  his   attainments  as  an  astronomer 
and  a  man  of  general  science. 

INNES,  WILLIAM.     Glasgow,  1825. 

IRVINE,  ALEXANDER.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1710-17. 

Admitted  freeman  clockmaker  for  his  life,  Canongate 
Hammermen,  1710.  His  is  the  first  name  occurring  in 
the  records  to  receive  this  freedom.  (See  below.) 

IRVINE,  ALEXANDER.     Edinburgh,  1717. 

Son  to  the  deceast  Alexander  Irvine,  clockmaker 
in  Canongate ;  booked  apprentice  to  Thomas  Gordon 
nth  April  1717. 

IRVINE,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1799. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  205 

IVORY,  JAMES.     Dundee,  1762-95. 

22nd  September  1767. — "Which  day  James  Ivory, 
watchmaker  in  Dundee,  was  admitted  burgess  for 
having  paid  50  merks  Scots  to  James  Dick,  sometime 
treasurer,  and  having  just  now  paid  other  50  merks  to 
Henry  Geekie,  present  acting  treasurer,  in  full  of  his 
freedom." 

"  The  terms  of  this  entry  show  that  James  Ivory  had 
no  previous  claim  to  admission  as  a  burgess  through 
his  ancestors,  and  it  distinctly  proves  that  he  was  the 
first  of  a  family  of  eminent  men  who  have  reflected 
considerable  lustre  upon  Dundee.  The  name  seems  to 
be  a  corrupt  form  of  the  Gaelic  cognomen  Iverach,  and 
the  family  had  probably  a  Highland  origin,  though  the 
locality  from  whence  they  sprang  is  merely  a  matter  of 
conjecture.  James  Ivory  rose  to  considerable  eminence 
as  a  watchmaker  in  Dundee,  and  was  entrusted  with 
the  making  of  the  clock  for  the  steeple  of  St  Andrew's 
Church  in  the  Cowgate.  He  served  frequently  as  a 
Town  Councillor  from  1768  till  1789,  and  it  was  whilst 
acting  in  this  capacity  that  his  son  James,  the  famous 
mathematician,  afterward  Sir  James  Ivory,  was  appointed 
one  of  the  teachers  in  the  Dundee  Academy.  James 
Ivory,  sen.,  died  previous  to  1795." — Roll  of  Eminent 
Burgesses  of  Dundee. 

IVORY,  THOMAS.     Dundee,  1795-1825. 

"  Thomas  Ivory,  watchmaker,  Dundee,  was  admitted 
burgess  6th  July  1795,  by  the  privilege  of  the  deceased 
James  Ivory,  his  father." 

"  Thomas  Ivory  was  the  third  son  of  James  Ivory, 
watchmaker,  and  for  a  considerable  time  followed  the 
same  occupation  as  his  father.  His  talent  as  a  draughts- 
man led  him  to  abandon  this  calling  early  in  the 
nineteenth  century,  and  to  take  up  the  art  of  engraving, 
and  he  is  believed  to  have  been  the  first  native  engraver 
in  Dundee.  He  executed  illustrations  for  an  edition 
of  Rollin's  Ancient  History,  published  in  Dundee  by 
Francis  Ray  in  1800.  His  best  known  work  was  a 
set  of  copy-lines  prepared  for  teaching  handwriting 
published  in  1811,  and  long  used  as  a  model  in  the 


206  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

Dundee  schools.  He  made  the  education  of  the  youth 
of  Dundee  his  special  study,  and  it  was  largely  owing 
to  his  trenchant  letters  signed  *  Parens '  in  the  newspapers 
of  the  period  that  important  reforms  were  accomplished 
in  the  scholastic  system  with  the  burgh.  He  died 
(circa]  1825.  His  son,  Lord  Ivory  of  Session,  was 
admitted  burgess  on  the  2ist  November  1816,  and 
another  son,  William  Ivory,  writer,  Dundee,  was  enrolled, 
6th  April  1818." — Roll  of  Eminent  Burgesses  of  Dundee. 

JACKSON,  ALLAN.     Argyle  Street,  Lochgilphead,  1836. 
JACKSON,  JAMES  H.    Perth,  1828-36. 
J AFFRAY,  JOHN.     Stirling,  1790. 

"John  Jaffray,  late  watchmaker  in  Glasgow,  now 
in  Stirling,  to  whom  certain  creditors  of  James  Campbell 
endorsed  for  behoof  of  their  claims,  having  now  received 
a  dividend  from  the  price  of  the  unentailed  lands  of  the 
said  James  Campbell,  those  creditors  or  their  repre- 
sentatives will  call  on  John  Wilson,  one  of  the  town 
clerks  of  Glasgow,  to  receive  their  dividend  and  sign 
a  discharge,  etc." — Glasgow  Mercury ',  28th  September 
1790. 

JAFFRAY,  WILLIAM.     329  Argyll  Street,  Glasgow,  1841. 
JAMES,  JOHN.     Union  Place,  Edinburgh,  1846. 
JAMESON,  GEORGE.     Hamilton,  1729. 

"  To  be  sold,  several  curious  sundials  engraven  on 
brass  plates,  each  plate  20  inches  square,  containing  : 
1st,  an  horizontal  dial  9  inches  diameter,  having  each 
tenth  minute  with  the  Meridians  and  differences  of 
longitude  of  several  remarkable  places  of  the  world, 
showing  the  hour  of  the  day  in  those  places  ;  2nd,  the 
curved  lines  for  showing  the  length  of  the  day,  the 
nth  and  2$th  of  each  month,  with  the  Babylonish, 
Jewish,  and  Roman  hours,  also  the  day  of  the  month 
the  sun  enters  into  each  sign  of  the  Zodiac;  3rd, 
a  dial  for  showing  the  hour  of  the  night  by  the  moon, 
with  the  epacts  for  19  years  placed  by  it,  beginning 
at  1728.  Lastly,  there  is  an  equation  table  for  each 
5th  day  of  the  year.  They  are  calculated  for  the  latitude 
of  56  degrees,  and  will  serve  60  miles  further  south 
or  north  with  little  variation.  All  done  according  to 
astronomical  rigour  by  George  Jameson  at  Hamilton. 


MUSICAL  CLOCK, 

In  elm  root  case.  By  Anthony 
Jeeves,  Edinburgh,  1774.  The  pro- 
perty of  the  Merchant  Company, 
Edinburgh.  (See  p.  207.) 


LONG  CASE  CLOCK, 

In  oak  case.  By  James  Cowan, 
Edinburgh, ;  { 744*8 1 .  Tie!  I  pro- 
perty ,of  irlei  Society  of  Writers  to 
tiieSignet.  Edinburgh.** (Se,e jx. 89.^) 


[  To  face  page  206. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  207 

"  They  are  to  be  seen  at  Mr  Butchers  in  the  Abbey- 
Hill,  or  at  Bailie  Jameson,  Candlemaker  in  Canongate- 
Head,  his  house  on  the  north  side  of  the  street." — 
Caledonian  Mercury ',  28th  August  1729. 

JAMESON,  JAMES.     Castle  Street,  Stranraer,  1836. 
JAMIESON,  JAMES.     Main  Street,  Newton  Stewart,  1820. 
JAMIESON,  JOHN.     Ayr,  1798. 

"John  Jamieson,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker,  Ayr, 
served  Heir  General  to  his  brother,  William  Jamieson, 
writer,  Edinburgh,  dated  3rd  October  1798.  Recorded, 
ilth  October  1798." — Services  of  Heirs. 

JAMIESON,  ROBERT.     Glasgow,  1838. 
JAMIESON,  THOMAS.     79  High  Street,  Ayr,  1836-50. 
JARDINE,  JOHN.     Glasgow,  1765-1801. 

"  Died  at  London  on  Sunday  sennight,  after  a  short 
illness,  deeply  and  justly  regretted  by  his  numerous 
friends  and  acquaintances,  Mr  John  Jardine,  watch- 
maker, a  native  of  Glasgow,  not  more  distinguished 
through  life  by  great  skill  and  ingenuity  in  his  art 
than  by  amiable  and  cheerful  disposition  and  the  most 
obliging  manner."  -  -  Obituary  notice  in  Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant^  23rd  November  1801. 

JARDINE,  ROBERT.     Hopetoun  Street,  Bathgate,  1836. 
JEEVES,  ANTHONY.     Edinburgh,  1744. 

No  mention  of  this  maker's  name  is  to  be  found 
in  any  of  the  records  of  the  Hammermen  of  Edinburgh. 
The  only  known  example  of  his  skill  that  can  so  far 
be  ascertained  has  been  preserved  in  or  near  Edinburgh  : 
it  is  a  magnificent  chiming  clock  which  plays  twelve 
tunes.  This  really  fine  clock  bears  upon  the  dial 
that  it  was  made  by  Anthony  Jeeves,  Musical  Clock- 
maker  from  Oxford,  Edinburgh,  and  likewise  a  coat 
of  arms,  and  the  name  Daniel  Davidson,  for  whom 
in  all  probability  it  was  made.  The  date  1774  is  to 
be  found  on  the  end  of  the  barrel  that  acts  on  the 
bells,  the  whole  movement  and  case  affording  conclusive 
proof  of  the  high  constructive  ability  of  this  artist. 
It  may  not  be  out  of  place  to  note  that  when  described 
in  the  first  edition  of  this  volume  it  was  located  in 


208  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

the  outer  lobby  of  James  Gillespie's  Schools,  but 
attention  having  been  drawn  to  the  danger  and  incon- 
gruity of  such  a  situation,  the  Merchant  Company, 
who  were  governors  of  the  schools,  removed  it  to  their 
own  meeting  place,  namely,  the  Merchant's  Hall, 
Hanover  Street,  Edinburgh,  where  it  occupies  a 
prominent  position  in  the  main  staircase  of  that 
building. 

JERDAN,  -    — .     Glasgow,  1754. 

Maker  of  clock  in  Greenock  Bell  House. 

JOHNSON,  JOHN.     Main  Street,  Ayr,  1819. 

JOHNSON,  ROBERT.     High  Street,  Linlithgow,  1835. 

JOHNSTON,  DAVID.  Boyd's  Close,  Canongate,  Edinburgh, 

1800. 

JOHNSTON,  HUGH.  Barrhead,  1836. 

JOHNSTON,  JAMES.  Portsoy,  about  1825-37. 

JOHNSTON,  JAMES.  Edinburgh,  1785. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Alexander  Dickie,  2Oth  October 

1785. 

JOHNSTON,  JOHN.     West  Port,  Linlithgow,  1820. 
JOHNSTON,  JOHN.     Peterhead,  1837. 
JOHNSTON,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1757. 

Son  of  Laurence  Johnston  in  Bankhead  of  Saline ; 
booked  apprentice  to  John  Dalgleish,  7th  May  1757. 

JOHNSTON,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1812. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Reid  &  Auld,  1st  August  1812. 

JOHNSTON,  JOHN.     Ayr,  1789;  died   1st  November  1829, 
aged  74  years. 

"  Stolen  out  of  the  shop  of  John  Johnston,  watch- 
maker in  Ayr,  on  Thursday  the  2ist  or  Friday  the  22nd 
May  1789,  the  following  silver  watches  : — 

No. 

I  new  silver  watch,  Matthew  Prior,  London  .         .         .       5946 

1       »  n  „  „  .  .  .         5948 

i  old  „  James  Warne,  ,,  18596 

1  „  „  James  Reid,  „  2454 

2  new  silver  watches   by  James   Johnston,  Liverpool 

The  numbers  of  the  two  last  were  unfortunately 
not  taken  down,  only  new  come  to  hand. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  209 

"If  any  of  the  above  watches  are  offered  to  sale  it  is 
hoped  they  will  be  stopped  and  notice  sent  to  John 
Johnston,  Ayr,  who  will  give  as  a  reward  a  guinea  for 
each  of  the  above  watches.  There  is  every  reason  to 
believe  that  they  were  stolen  by  a  lad  who  wrought 
some  time  in  the  shop  as  a  clockmaker,  who  made  his 
elopement  the  day  after  they  were  stolen.  He  called 
himself  James  Brown  and  said  he  belonged  to  Wolver- 
hampton.  He  was  traced  as  far  as  Sanquhar,  and  was 
offering  the  watches  for  sale  all  that  road.  As  he  had 
very  little  money  and  supposed  to  be  gone  to  London 
by  the  way  of  Moffat  and  Carlisle,  it  is  earnestly 
requested  that  all  dealers,  particularly  on  that  road,  will 
be  upon  their  guard  what  watches  are  offered  to  sale, 
and  give  information  as  above,  as  he  must  very  soon 
have  disposed  of  some  of  them.  Not  to  be  repeated." — 
Edinburgh  Advertiser,  ipth  June  1798. 

JOHNSTON,  MATTHEW.     2  Davie  Street,  Edinburgh,  1820. 
JOHNSTON,  SAMUEL.     Langholm,  1837. 
JOHNSTON,  WILLIAM.     Trongate,  Glasgow,  1847. 
JOHNSTONE,  JAMES.     Linlithgow,  1830. 
JOHNSTOUN,  ALEXANDER.    Edinburgh,  1688. 

Son    to    the    deceast    Alexander   Johnstoun,    lister, 

burgess  of  Edinburgh;  booked  apprentice  to  Andrew 

Brown,  3rd  May  1688. 
JOHNSTOUN,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1671. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Robert  Smith,  1671. 

JOHNSTOUNE,  DAVID.     Edinburgh,  1679. 

Son   to    Robert   Johnstoune,   merchant    burgess    of 

Stirling ;    booked   apprentice   to   Andrew   Brown,   27th 

May  1679. 

JUNOR,  DANIEL.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1797. 
JUST,  GEORGE.     Kirkcaldy,  1761. 
KAY,  DAVID.     Dundee,   1553-76.     See  Common  Clocks  of 

Dundee,  page  124. 

KAY,  JOHN.     Aberdeen,  1582.     See  page  3. 
KEELLER,  JOHN.     Musselburgh,  1814. 

KEIR,  DUNCAN.     Stirling,  1706. 

o 


210  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

KEIR,  PETER.     Falkirk,  1823. 

KEITH,  DAVID.     Inverness,  1850. 

KEITH,  GEORGE.     Strathaven  ;  died  1812. 

KEITH,  ROBERT.     Forfar,  1819-37. 

KEITH,  WILLIAM.     50  High  Street,  Inverness,  1837. 

KELLY,  ANDREW.     Glasgow,  1835. 

KELLY,  PETER.     Edinburgh,  1770. 

Booked  apprentice  to  John  Gibson,  9th  June  1770. 
KEMPIE,  ANDREW.     Carr's  Croft,  Perth,  1837. 
KENNEDY,  ALEXANDER.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1753. 
Booked  apprentice  to  James  Nicoll,  27th   February 

1753- 

KENNEDY,  JOHN.     Maybole,  1820-37. 
KENNEDY,  JOHN,  jun.     High  Street,  Maybole,  1837. 
KENNEDY,  JOHN.     Dalmellington,  1793. 
KENNEDY,   THOMAS.       I     Portland    Street,    Kilmarnock, 

1837- 

KERR,  ALEXANDER.     Scotch  Street,  Annan,  1820. 
KERR,  HENRY.     Dundee,  1863.     See  page  24. 
KERR,  HENRY.     Loanhead,  1850. 

KERR,    HENRY.     10   South   St  James  Street,   Edinburgh, 
1857.     See  page  24. 

KERR,  JOHN.     Saltmarket,  Glasgow,  1783. 
KETCHING,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1850. 

KETTLE,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1758-1804.' 

Son  of  John  Kettle,  merchant  in  Leith ;  booked 
apprentice  to  James  Duff,  29th  December  1758.  Dis- 
charged of  his  indentures  I4th  December  1764. 
Admitted  a  freeman  clockmaker,  Canongate  Hammer- 
men, 3 1st  October  1774.  Died  1804. 

KILGOUR,    PATRICK.     Aberdeen,  1672-92.     See  Common 
Clocks  of  Aberdeen,  page  7. 

KILGOUR,  PATRICK.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1702. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  211 

KILGOUR,  WILLIAM.    Glithnow,  1775-1837. 

In  the  churchyard  of  Cowie,  in  the  parish  of  Fetters, 
is  a  tombstone,  an  account  of  which  is  given  in  Jervise's 
Epitaphs  and  Inscriptions : — "  The  inscription  (from  the 
headstone)  relates  to  a  person  whose  genius  lay  in 
constructing  eight-day  clocks,  which  he  made  from 
beginning  to  end,  and  in  being  a  superior  weaver  of 
bedcovers  and  tablecloths. 

"To  the  memory  of  William  Kilgour,  an  original 
genius,  who  exercised  the  craft  of  weaver  at  Glithnow 
for  the  long  period  of  sixty-two  years  in  the  same  house. 
He  departed  this  life  on  the  I2th  day  of  March  1837  at 
the  advanced  age  of  86  years. 

BY  HIS  FRIENDS. 

'  Here  lyes  the  man  for  aught  we  know 
That  lived  and  died  without  a  foe  ; 
Now  mould'ring  here  beneath  that  clod, 
An  honest  man  th'  noblest  work  of  God.'" 

KILPATRICK,  GILBERT.     Edinburgh,  1767. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Normond  Macpherson,  I5th 
October  1767. 

KING,  ALEXANDER.    Peterhead,  1826. 

KING,  BENJAMIN.     Rose  Street,  Peterhead,  1846. 

KING,  DAVID.     Castle  Street,  Montrose,  1821-51. 

"  David  King,  shoemaker,  Montrose,  served  Heir 
General  to  his  father,  David  King,  watchmaker  there, 
dated  5th  February  1851.  Recorded  i8th  February 
1851." — Services  of  Heirs. 

KING,  DUNCAN.     Fore  Street,  Port  Glasgow,  1820. 

KING,  JOHN.     Aberdeen,  1784. 

KING,  JOHN.     Montrose,  1840. 

KINNEAR,  C.  D.     Portobello,  1836. 

KINNEAR,  CONRAD,  Father  and  Son.     Glasgow,  1836. 

"  Conrad  Kinnear,  clock  merchant  in  Glasgow, 
served  Heir  General  to  his  father,  Conrad  Kinnear, 
clock  merchant  there,  dated  loth  October  1840. 
Recorded  I4th  October  1840." — Services  of  Heirs. 

KINNEAR,  J.     475  Lawnmarket,  Edinburgh,  1850. 


212  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

KINNEIR,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1774. 

Bound  apprentice  to  John  Skirving,  I4th  September 
1774- 
KIRK,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1648. 

Though  this  individual  never  got  any  further  than 
an  apprentice  and  that  only  for  a  year,  yet  his  name 
deserves  to  be  remembered  not  only  for  his  being 
the  first  indentured  to  the  art  after  the  admission 
of  the  clockmakers  as  a  branch  of  the  locksmith  craft 
in  the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen,  Edinburgh,  but 
also  for  the  extraordinary  dispute  that  cancelled  his 
indentures. 

2^t1i  March  1648. — "James  Kirk,  sone  laufull  to 
Robert  Kirk,  merchand  burgess  of  Edinburgh,  buikit 
prentise  to  Robert  Smith,  knokmaker,  freeman  and 
burgess  of  the  said  burgh  of  Edinburgh,  conforme  to 
ye  indentures  past  betwixt  thame,  he  payit  to  the 
boxmaister  xxs.  with  the  clerk  and  officer  thair  dewis 
(duties)." 

6th  December  1648.  — "  The  qlk  day  anent  the 
supplication  given  be  Helen  Fergusonne,  spous  to 
Robert  Kirk,  merchand  burgess  of  Edinburgh,  upoun 
Robert  Smith,  knokmaker  and  freeman  burgess  of 
Edinburgh,  making  mention  that  quhair  the  said 
Robert  Smith  did  take  James  Kirk  thair  sone  to  be 
his  prentice  and  servant  for  certane  zeiris  conforme 
to  the  indentures  past  betwixt  thame,  quharin  the 
said  Robert  Smith  band  and  obligit  him  to  ken,  teach, 
learne,  and  instruct  the  said  James  Kirk  in  the  haill 
poyntis,  practices,  and  ingoyings  of  his  airt  of  knok 
smithis  craft,  and  sould  maintane  his  said  prentice 
during  the  space  of  his  prenticeschip  honestlie  in 
meat,  bed,  and  board  as  the  said  indentures  in  them 
selfifis  at  mair  length  beiris.  Notwithstanding  thairof 
the  said  Robert  Smith  hes  keipit  the  said  James  Kirk 
his  prentice  the  space  of  ane  zeir  preceding  the  date 
heirof  in  his  service,  and  hes  gotten  no  insight  nor 
learning  of  his  calling,  and  could  not  have  sufficient 
maintenance  for  preserving  of  his  lyfe  qlkar  against 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  213 

all  reasone,  equity,  and  conscience,  and  against  the 
heidis  of  the  indentures  past  betwixt  them  as  the  said 
supplication  in  itself  at  mair  length  beiris. 

"  Quilk  being  heard,  read,  seen,  and  considderit 
be  the  Deacone,  Maisteris,  and  haill  hous,  and  they 
being  ryplie  advisit  yairwith,  they  all  in  a  voice  statut 
and  ordaine  lykas  be  thir  prests.  statutis,  and  ordaines 
that  the  said  Robert  Smith  sail  teach  and  learne 
the  said  James  Kirk  in  the  haill  poyntis,  practices, 
and  inganes  of  his  said  airt  of  knokmaker  craft,  and 
sail  furnische  and  sustane  him  honestlie  in  meat,  bed, 
and  boord  during  the  space  of  his  prenteischip,  and 
George  Smith  the  said  Robert  his  brother  is  become 
cautioner  for  him  fulfilling  of  his  pairt  of  the  indentures 
to  his  said  apprenteis,  lykwyes  the  Deacone  and  haill 
hous  statutis  and  ordaines  in  cais  it  sail  happine 
the  said  James  Kirk  complaine  upoun  Robert  Smith, 
his  maister,  the  said  James  haveond  just  reasone  and 
caus  yairfoir  at  ony  tyme  heirefter,  then  and  in  that 
cais  the  Deacone  and  hous  ordaines  and  be  thir  prestes 
ordaines  the  said  James  Kirk  to  be  Hberat  and  frie 
fra  his  said  maister  service,  the  fault  being  noter  and 
trouble  to  the  Deacone  and  hous,  injuring  the  Deacone 
and  Maisteris  their  pleisyre  (pleasure)." 

As  James  Kirk's  name  does  not  appear  again  in 
the  Hammermen's  Records  it  is  not  unlikely  that  he  took 
advantage  of  the  last  part  of  the  above  minute  and 
turned  his  attention  to  some  other  craft. 

KIRK,  JOHN.     Dalkeith,  1800. 

KIRKCUDBRIGHT  — Notices    regarding    the    Common 
Clock  of  the  burgh  of,  from   1576  to  1897. 

"  In  regard  to  the  history  of  the  old  town  clock  of 
Kirkcudbright,  which  is  undoubtedly  one  of  the  oldest 
in  the  kingdom  and  which  is  about  to  be  superseded, 
tradition,  avowedly  founded  on  documentary  evidence, 
has  it  that  the  clock  came  from  Holland.  The  first 
authentic  notice  of  the  town  clock,  or,  as  it  was  then 
quaintly  styled,  the  knok,  is  to  be  found  in  the  earliest 
existing  records  of  the  Town  Council,  and  is  dated 


214  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

1576,  wherein,  after  a  narrative  of  the  election  of 
magistrates  and  office-bearers,  it  is  set  forth  that  one 
John  Hall  is  appointed  keeper  of  the  knok,  and 
subsequently  he  and  others  continue  to  be  made 
custodiers  of  the  old  timepiece  from  year  to  year. 

"  The  following  excerpt  from  the  Council  minutes 
shows  the  existence  of  a  curious  regulation,  namely, 
that  every  burgh  was  bound  to  maintain  and  uphold 
a  town  clock,  and  from  the  same  excerpt  it  will  be 
seen  that  in  1642  the  question  was  not  one  of  erecting  a 
new  clock,  but  of  transferring  the  old  one  to  a  new 
steeple  : — 

" '  Kirkcudbryt,  the  first  day  of  January  the  year  of 
God  jm  vjc  fourtie  twa,  the  quilk  day  the  Provest, 
Bailies,  and  Counsell  of  the  burgh  of  Kirkcudbryt,  with 
advice  and  consent  of  the  remanent  burgess  and  com- 
mittee of  the  said  burgh,  having  taken  to  their  serious 
consideration  the  loss  and  want  of  their  knok  through 
the  fault  of  ane  steple  and  bellhouse,  to  put  their  knok 
and  bells  in  (the  old  Tolbooth  quilk  of  before  keipit 
thair  knok  and  bell  being  ruinous  and  decayit),  and 
having  taken  into  their  consideration  the  necessity 
of  ane  steple  and  bellhouse  to  keep  their  knok  and 
bell  qlk  is  a  special  ornament  belonging  to  every  burgh, 
and  qlk  they  are  bound  by  the  ancient  laws  of  this 
kingdom  to  maintain  and  uphold,  and  likewise  they 
taking  to  their  serious  consideration  the  decay  of  their 
common  good,  and  that  it  is  superspendit  upon  the 
common  affairs  of  this  burgh.  Therefore  the  said 
Provest,  bailies,  and  counsell  of  said  burgh,  with  advice 
and  consent  of  the  remanent  burgess  and  committee 
of  the  said  burgh,  have  all  in  a  voice  cheerfully  and 
voluntarily  offered  themselves  to  be  stentit  in  their 
goods  for  buying  of  a  piece  of  ground  quhair  it  may 
be  most  and  best  convenient  for  building  of  the  said 
bellhouse  and  steeple,  and  for  furnishing  of  the 
materials  and  paying  of  workmen  to  build  the  same.' 

"  The  steeple  was  shortly  afterwards  built  and  the 
knok  and  bells  placed  therein,  and  there  the  veteran 
timepiece  continued  to  fulfil  its  destiny  under  the 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  215 

oversight  of  a  regularly  appointed  caretaker  till 
1723,  in  which  year  a  serious  fire  occurred  in  the 
steeple,  by  which  much  damage  was  done  to  the  clock 
and  bells  and  many  old  burgh  records  were  destroyed. 

"  In  those  days  there  was  no  watch  or  clock  maker 
resident  in  Kirkcudbright,  and  the  clock  was  sent  to 
Ringford,  where  there  lived  a  cunning  blacksmith 
named  Law,  who  enjoyed  locally  the  reputation  of 
being  well  versed  in  the  art  of  cleaning  clocks  and 
watches.  This  Law,  by  the  way,  became  the  progenitor 
of  a  celebrated  race  of  clock  and  watch  makers  of  the 
same  name,  his  nearest  living  relative  being  Mr  Thomas 
Law,  watchmaker,  Castle-Douglas.  In  the  Ringford 
smithy  the  old  clock  lay  for  six  months  before  being 
thoroughly  overhauled.  It  was  then  restored  to  its 
old  quarters  and  kept  jogging  on  doggedly  under  the 
charge  of  several  tradesmen,  among  others  Bailie  Martin, 
Mr  Walker,  and  Archie  Miller,  watchmakers,  and 
Bailie  Law,  the  artificer  of  the  church  clock. 

"  Some  fifty  years  ago  the  old  clock,  as  if  it  felt  that 
having  passed  the  allotted  span  of  horological  life  it 
was  entitled  to  its  otium,  became  irritable  and  irregular, 
sometimes  chapping  the  whole  twelve  hours  twice  over 
without  a  pause,  as  if  to  exhibit  its  proficiency  in  the 
art,  and  then  remaining  sullenly  silent  for  hours  till  at 
last  it  stopped.  The  Law  family  were  again  appealed 
to  in  the  person  of  Bailie  Law,  who,  observing  that  the 
pivot  holes  were  worn  out,  filled  them  with  hard  type- 
metal,  and  re-bored  them.  Since  then,  until  recently, 
the  clock  continued  to  'ring  out  the  old,  ring  in  the 
new '  with  wonderful  regularity,  under  the  doctoring  of 
Bailie  Law's  son,  William  Law,  and  his  successor, 
Bailie  M'Skimming.  Latterly,  however,  various  eccen- 
tricities, indicating  extreme  old  age  and  debility,  were 
noticed,  fits  of  absolute  coma  alternating  with  sudden 
accessions  of  unnatural  activity,  and  it  had  at  last  to  be 
admitted  that  this  great  grandfather's  clock  must  now 
be  treated  as  a  '  guid  auld  hes  been.'  Provost  Cowan, 
much  to  his  honour,  has  commissioned  Mr  M'Skimming 
to  replace  it  with  a  splendid  new  illuminated  dial  clock, 


216  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

with  which,  let  us  hope,  the  genial  provost's  name 
will  be  associated  for  another  500  years.  The  auld 
knok  finds  a  fit  resting-place  in  the  Stewartry  Museum. 

"  To  the  foregoing  account  Mr  W.  W.  M'Skimming 
adds  :  *  The  old  clock  was  made  wholly  of  malleable 
iron,  but  a  good  few  years  back  a  new  brass  wheel  had 
been  put  in.  It  is  placed  in  an  old  steeple  called  the 
Old  Tolbooth,  at  the  end  of  the  town,  and  has  two  dials. 
The  clock  has  no  dial  work,  and  the  hour  is  shown  by 
a  single  hand.  It  only  went  twenty-four  hours,  and 
was  formerly  driven  by  granite  weights.  The  papers  do 
not  give  it  credit  for  good  timekeeping,  but  my  father 
says  that  since  April  1859,  when  he  first  took  charge  of 
it,  its  performance  has  been  wonderfully  correct.  It 
was  my  duty  as  apprentice  to  wind  it  up  every  morning 
at  ten  o'clock,  but  latterly  it  would  not  go,  for  the 
pinions  were  cut  so  much  that  you  could  put  your 
thumb  in  the  holes  made  by  the  wheel  teeth.'" — The 
H or ological  Journal,  January  1897. 

KIRKLAND,  JAMES.     Glasgow,  1775. 
KIRKLAND,  RICHARD.     Port  Glasgow,  1783. 

KIRKWOOD,    ALEXANDER.      215    High     Street    Paisley, 
1820. 

"  Agnes  Allan  or  Kirkwood  in  Galston,  served  Co- 
heir of  Provision  General  to  her  mother,  Elizabeth 
M'Kechnie,  wife  of  A.  Kirkwood,  watchmaker,  Paisley, 
dated  iSth  May  1824.  Recorded  29th  May  1824." — 
Services  of  Heirs. 

KIRKWOOD,  JAMES.     Perth,  1771. 

Granted  liberty  to  exercise  his  trade  as  clock  and 
watch  maker  in  Perth,  1771.  Admitted  a  freeman 
Perth  Hammermen,  1772. 

KIRKWOOD,  JOHN.     Lauder,  1734.     See  Common  Clock 
of  Lauder,  page  219. 

KIRKWOOD,  JOHN.     Redpath,  near  Melrose,  1798. 
KNIE,  BALTHAZAR.     Edinburgh,  1774-1817. 

Among  the  many  crafts  which  were  carried  on  in 
Edinburgh  during  the  eighteenth  century,  one  of  the 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  217 

most  unique  was  the  manufacture  of  barometers  or 
weather-glasses,  as  they  were  then  named.  Though 
closely  allied  and  partaking  somewhat  of  the  trade  of 
clockmaking,  it  never  seems,  at  that  period,  to  have 
had  the  attention  given  to  it  as  the  latter  craft  had. 
Probably  this  was  owing  to  the  fact  that  the  principles 
of  the  barometer  and  thermometer  were  unknown,  or 
not  sufficiently  studied,  and  the  introduction  of  its 
manufacture  here  is  due  to  foreigners.  Although 
nearer  the  end  of  the  century  Scotsmen  were  beginning 
to  turn  out  barometers  of  the  highest  class — to  name 
one,  John  Russell  (q.v.)  of  Falkirk — yet  the  introduction 
and  use  of  these  useful  articles,  at  least  in  Edinburgh, 
was  due  to  Balthazar  Knie,  who  settled  here  in  1774. 
A  German  by  birth,  he  apparently  opened  a  shop  for 
the  purpose  of  exhibiting  the  marvels  of  glass-blowing 
and  bending.  This  would  infer  that  this  process  was 
something  of  a  novelty,  which  is  further  increased  by  an 
announcement  in  the  C our  ant : — "Friday  next  being 
the  Equinox,  Mr  Knie  desires  you  to  take  notice  of  the 
barometer.  If  the  mercury  be  marked  fair  it  will  be 
fair  for  some  time,  but  if  it  is  marked  rain  or  changeable 
it  will  be  rain  or  changeable  for  some  time,"  and  a  note 
adds,  "that  it  is  worth  while  for  the  curious  in  those 
matters  to  take  notice  of  it." 

In  1793  a  cafd  informs  us  that  his  shop  is  situated 
opposite  the  well,  north  side  of  Lawnmarket,  and  he 
returns  his  sincere  thanks  for  the  patronage  he  has 
received  for  the  nineteen  years  he  has  been  in  Edinburgh. 
It  is  rather  surprising  to  find  he  was  still  living  and 
in  business  as  late  as  the  year  1815.  In  that  year  he 
gives  out  that  from  the  growing  infirmities  of  old  age, 
he  finds  it  necessary  to  dispose  of  his  elegant  and 
valuable  stock  of  barometers  and  thermometers, 
valued  at  £309,  143.  He  disposed  of  it  by  lottery,  and 
his  death,  occurring  on  28th  March  1817,  removed  one 
who  was  in  his  day  a  credit  and  benefactor  to  the  city. 
His  business  was  carried  on  for  a  few  years  later  by 
his  grandson,  James  Knie  Hopton,  who  was  related  to 
the  Hoptons  (q.v.),  the  wooden  clockmakers  in  the 


218  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

Lawnmarket.  The  only  specimen  of  Balthazar  Knie's 
weather-glass,  of  which  particulars  have  reached  us,  is 
now  located  in  the  treasurer's  room  in  the  Royal 
Infirmary.  Mr  Caw  states  that  it  is  still  in  complete 
working  order,  and  he  has  for  many  years  kept  a 
record  of  its  performance. 

KNOX,  ALEXANDER.     Berwick-on-Tweed,  1770. 

KNOX,  JAMES.     So  High  Street,  Paisley,  1820-36. 

KNOX,  ROBERT.     141  High  Street,  Paisley,  1820-37. 

KNOX,  ROBERT.     Beith,  1766. 

He  appears  to  have  been  the  chief  of  the  little  band 
of  clockmakers  who  flourished  in  Beith  during  the 
latter  part  of  the  eighteenth  century.  Several  of  his 
clocks  are  still  in  existence,  all  of  good  workmanship 
and  still  keeping  excellent  time.  As  a  rule  the  case 
and  hood  are  of  dark  mahogany  with  the  scrolled  or 
Chippendale  pediment,  the  dial  of  brass  with  engraved 
centre  and  corner  pieces,  silvered  hour  circle  and  seconds 
dial,  day  of  month  in  square  aperture  below  the  hand, 
and  the  phases  of  the  moon  in  the  arch  of  the  dial. 

One  of  these  clocks  has  been  in  the  family  of  Hugh 
Broun  of  Broadstone  for  150  years.  In  an  inventory 
of  1809  it  is  valued  at  £2,  ios.,  and  in  another  of  1817 
at  £3. 

In  1912  at  a  sale  in  Lochwinnoch  Parish  a  Robert 
Knox  clock  brought  £13. 

KNOX,  WILLIAM.     Paisley,  1780. 
KNOX,  WILLIAM.    Beith,  1785. 

KULLBERG,  VICTOR.      12    Cloudesly   Terrace,    Islington, 
London.     See  page  24. 

LAIDLAW,  ALEXANDER.     Edinburgh,  1799. 

Bound  apprentice  to  James  Howden,  1st  July  1799. 
LAING,  DAVID.     Perth,  1767. 

"PERTH  COUNCIL  HOUSE,  yh  March  1767.— The 
calling  considering  that  David  Laing,  an  unfreeman 
Clock  and  Watch  Maker,  has  proposed  to  the  calling  to 
exercise  his  trade  in  the  place,  without  being  admitted 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  219 

freeman,  and  that  he  has  offered  to  pay  twenty  shillings 
sterling  yearly,  yet  there  are  three  freemen  of  the 
calling  of  that  science  (in  Perth  at  the  date).  They  by 
a  great  majority  refuse  to  accept  of  his  offer  and  appoint 
it  to  be  notified  to  him  that  if  he  exercises  his  trade 
in  the  place  without  the  calling's  consent  they  will 
proceed  against  him  as  law  directs." — Perth  Hammermen 
Records. 

LA  ING,  GEORGE.     Aberfeldie,  1837. 

See  also  note  on  Patrick  Robertson,  Perth,  page  319. 

LAING,  JAMES.     Mid  Street,  Keith,  1837. 

LAING,  WILLIAM.     Fort  William,  1837. 

LAIRD,  DAVID  WHITE.     Bridge  Street,  Leith,  1836-50. 

LAIRD,  JAMES.     Kilmacolm,  1770. 

LAIRD,  JOHN  &  ANDREW.     Delftfield  Lane,  Glasgow,  1837. 

LAMBERT,  PETER.     Hyde  Hill,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  1837. 

LAMOND,  J.  &  Co.     9  Kirkgate,  Leith,  1850. 

LAUDER  —  Notices  regarding  Common  Clock  of,  1734- 
1859. 

"LAUDER,  i^th  November  1734. — The  bailies  and 
council  having  taken  into  their  consideration  that  the 
clock  of  the  burgh  is  in  great  disrepair  and  very 
insufficient,  the  same  having  been  visited  by  John 
Kirkwood,  clocksmith  at  Hardgatehead,  have  resolved 
that  a  new  clock  shall  be  made  by  him  with  the  greatest 
expedition  and  settup  in  the  steiple  of  the  Tolbooth 
"of  the  said  burgh.  Qrfore  they  hereby  empower 
and  authorise  John  Moffat  and  Richard  Allan,  present 
bailies,  to  contract  with  the  said  John  Kirkwood  for 
making  of  a  sufficient  new  clock  at  a  price  not  exceed- 
ing four  hundred  merks,  for  which  this  shall  be  their 
warrant,  and  appoints  this  to  be  subscribed  by  the  Clerk 
of  Court  in  their  name  and  presence." 

The  following  is  a  copy  of  the  inscription  engraved 
on  a  brass  plate  attached  to  the  above  clock : — 

"John  Moffat,  Bailie,  MDCCXXXV.,  William  Lauder, 
Treasurer,  John  Kirkwood,  Fecit.  This  clock  was 


220  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

removed  to  Mellerstoun,  1859.  New  one  made  by 
R.  &  R.  Murray." — A.  THOMSON,  Lander  and  Lauder- 
dale. 

LAUDER,  JAMES.     Prestonpans,  1/96. 
LAUDER,  JOHN.     Prestonpans,  about  1790. 
LAULE,  T.     4  North  Bridge,  Edinburgh,  1850. 
LAUSSINE,  ESAIUS.     Edinburgh,  1595. 
LAW,  DAVID.     I  Croft  Street,  Kilmarnock,  1837. 
LAW,  GEORGE.     Peebles,  1808. 
LAW,  JAMES.     Aberdeen,  1782. 
LAW,  JAMES.    King  Street,  Castle-Douglas,  1836. 

LAW,  JAMES,   son   of  Robert   Law.     Castle-Douglas,  after 
1830. 

LAW,  JOHN.     High  Street,  Kirkcaldy,  1821. 

LAW,  JOHN.     Beith,  1784. 

LAW,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1795-1842. 

2nd  November  1811. — "  Compeared  and  presented 
a  petition  to  be  admitted  a  freeman  in  right  of  his 
wife,  daughter  of  the  late  John  Morton,  smith,  member 
of  the  incorporation.  The  prayer  thereof  was  granted 
He  payed  the  Treasurer  six  pounds  as  the  first  moiety 
of  his  entry  money." 

\st  February  1812. — "Compeared  and  produced  his 
essay,  a  clock  movement,  begun,  made,  and  finished 
in  the  shop  of  James  Paterson,  landlord,  and  James 
Howden,  Robert  Green,  and  William  Thomson,  essay 
masters,  as  they  declared,  etc.  He  paid  the  treasurer 
six  pounds,  being  the  second  moiety  of  his  entry 
money." — E.  H.  Records. 

He  died  on  the  5th  December  1842,  at  the  age 
of  seventy-two  years,  his  remains  being  interred  in  the 
Old  Calton  Burying  Ground,  Edinburgh. 

LAW,  ROBERT.     Castle-Douglas,  1818-30. 

LAW,  .     Ringford,  Kirkcudbright,  1723.     See  page  215. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  221 

LAW,  SOLOMON.     Lantonside,  1748. 

"That  there  is  ready  to  be  published  after  a  long 
and  tedious  inquiry  of  eighteen  years  the  discovery  of 
the  longitude,  which  may  be  made  plain  to  any  capacity 
in  less  than  half  an  hour,  and  taken  at  the  same  time 
with  the  latitude,  and  with  the  same  or  greater  certainty 
by  Solomon  Law,  Lantonside,  near  Dumfries,  in  Scotland. 
Mr  Law,  in  expectation  of  the  reward  provided  by 
Act  of  Parliament  and  other  ways,  is  now  ready  to 
make  such  discovery.''  —  Edinburgli  Evening  Courant^ 
ist  September  1748. 

LAW,  THOMAS.     Castle-Douglas.     See  page  2 15. 
LAW,  WILLIAM.     High  Street,  Kirkcudbright,  1820. 
LAW,  WILLIAM.     High  Street,  Kirkcudbright,  1836. 
LAW,  WILLIAM.     High  Street,  Linlithgow,  1820-37. 
LAWRENCE,  GEORGE.     Keith,  1837. 
LAWRIE,  ARCHIBALD.     Portsburgh,  Edinburgh,  1720. 
LAWRIE,  ARCHIBALD. 

Son  of  above  ;  booked  apprentice  to  William  Bowie, 
Canongate,  1731. 
LAWS,  MICHAEL  GRAHAM.     Berwick-on-Tweed,  1845. 

LAWSON,  CHRISTOPHER.     19  North  Bridge,  Edinburgh 
1820-37. 

4///  February  1^22. — "  Compeared  and  presented  a 
petition  craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman  clock  and 
watch  maker  by  purchase,  and  the  meeting  having 
consented,  granted  the  prayer,  and  appointed  as  an  essay 
a  watch  with  the  movements  to  be  produced  at  next 
quarter.  He  paid  fifty  pounds  as  the  first  moiety  of 
his  entry  money.  James  Paterson,  landlord,  John  Bain, 
and  James  Clark,  essaymaster.  Admitted  freeman 
in  terms  as  above,  5th  May  1823." — E.  H.  Records. 

He  died  on  22nd  April  1837,  at  25  St  James  Square, 
which  by  a  coincidence  is  the  present  residence  of  the 
writer  of  these  notes.  See  Lawson  &  Millar. 

LAWSON   &    MILLAR.       19   North    Bridge,   Edinburgh, 
1822-25. 

"  NOTICE. — That  business  carried  on  here  by  the 
subscriber  as  clock  and  watch  maker,  under  the  firm 


222  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

of  Lawson  &  Millar,  was  this  day  dissolved  by  mutual 
consent.  The  subscriber,  C.  Lawson,  is  authorised  to 
receive  and  discharge  the  debts  due  to  the  concern. 
i8th  June  1825 — Christopher  Lavvson,  Richard  Millar 
(q.v.)." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  23rd  June  1825. 

"  INTIMATION. — C.  Lawson,  Clock  and  Watch  Manu- 
facturer, respectfully  begs  leave  to  return  his  sincere 
thanks  to  his  numerous  friends  and  the  public  for  the 
liberal  patronage  he  has  enjoyed  during  the  period 
he  has  been  in  business,  both  on  his  own  account  and  as 
a  partner  of  the  late  firm  of  Lawson  and  Millar,1  and 
at  the  same  time  takes  the  liberty  of  intimating  that 
he  now  carries  on  business  on  his  own  account  in 
the  premises  formerly  occupied  by  L.  and  M.,  where 
he  hopes  to  meet  a  continuance  of  that  support  which 
he  has  hitherto  enjoyed,  and  which  shall  at  all  times 
be  his  study  to  merit.  19  North  Bridge,  2ist  June  1825." 
— Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  23rd  June  1825. 

LEADBETTER,  ANDREW.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1764. 

Apprenticed  to  Andrew  Clark,  Canongate,  29th  May 
1764. 

LECK,  ROBERT.     High  Street,  Jedburgh,  1837. 

LECK,  ROBERT.     Mauchline  Tower,  1850. 

LECK,  WILLIAM.     Market  Place,  Jedburgh,  1837. 

LECKIE,  DAVID.     Annan,  1800-20. 

LEES .     Lecturer  on  Natural  Philosophy  in  Edinburgh, 

1837- 

"  Mr  Lees'  Duiranian,  as  we  believe  it  is  called, 
consists  of  two  discs,  the  one  eight  inches  in  diameter 
representing  the  earth,  the  three  feet  representing  the 
heavens.  From  the  centre  or  pole  of  the  former  are 
drawn  diverging  lines  at  every  I5th  as  the  projections 
of  meridians,  while  on  the  latter  are  drawn  sketches 
of  the  sun,  moon,  and  starry  spheres.  By  a  very  simple 
combination  of  wheels  and  pulleys  connected  with  cords, 
one  of  these  discs  is  made  to  revolve  on  the  other,  thus 
showing  either  the  real  motion  of  the  heavens  from  east 
to  west.  The  earth  is  made  to  carry  an  index  by 
traversing  a  dial,  points  out  the  hours  corresponding 
to  its  own  place,  while  the  horizon  exhibits  the  rising, 

1  Richard  Millar  (q.v.). 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  223 

culminating,  and  setting  of  the  heavenly  bodies  with 
the  greatest  accuracy  and  distinctness.  The  great  value 
of  this  instrument,  however,  consists  in  its  giving  at 
one  glance  the  most  simple  and  correct  ideas  of  the 
relation  of  longitude  and  time,  a  subject  of  fundamental 
importance  in  the  study  of  astronomy." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  2/th  April  1837. 

LEGGET,  JOHN.     Dunse,  1720. 
LEIGHTON,  WALTER.     Montrose,  1830. 

LEITCH,    DANIEL.      Chapel    Street,    Kincardine-on-Forth, 
1836. 

LEITHEAD,  JAMES.     Moffat,  1835. 

"James  Leithead,  watchmaker,  Moffat,  served  Heir 
General  to  his  father,  William  Leithead,  carter  there, 
dated  3Oth  January  1841.  Recorded  loth  February  1841." 
— Services  of  Heirs. 

LEITHHEAD,  JAMES.     Channel,  Galashiels,  1836. 

LENNOX,  EDWARD.     Perth,  1783. 

Apprenticed  to  Joseph  Taylor,  Perth,  1783. 
LESLIE,  J.  &  P.     Kirkcaldy,  1815. 
LESLIE,  JOHN.     High  Street,  Kirkcaldy,  1821. 
LESLIE,  PETER.     High  Street,  Burntisland,  1837. 
LESLIE,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh,  1775-90. 

"Booked  apprentice  to  Normond  Macpherson,  1775." 
4///  February  1786. — "  Compeared  and    presented   a 
petition  craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman." 

27///  January  1787. — "Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  plain  watch  movement,  begun  and 
finished  in  his  own  shop  in  presence  of  Robert  Aitchison, 
landlord,  James  Gray,  Charles  Mollison,  and  Robert 
Cairnton,  essay  masters,  as  they  declared,  etc. — E.  H. 
Records. 

"  Lost  or  stolen  from  a  gentleman  within  these  few 
days,  betwixt  the  Theatre  Royal  and  George  Square, 
a  very  handsome  plain  gold  watch,  jewelled,  maker's 
name,  Normand  Macpherson,  No.  342.  Whoever  is  in 
possession  of  the  above  watch  upon  delivery  to 
Mr  Leslie,  watchmaker,  at  Macpherson  £  Co.  (q.v.) 


224  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

here,  shall  receive  five  guineas  reward  and  no  questions 
asked.  Whoever  will  give  such  information  as  shall 
lead  to  a  discovery  of  the  above  watch,  upon  conviction 
of  the  offender  shall  receive  from  Mr  Leslie  ten  guineas. 
The  informer's  name  concealed  if  desired." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  8th  August  1785. 

LESLIE,  THOMAS.     Borrowstouness  ;  died  1788. 
LIDDELL,  JAMES.     Bathgate,  1825. 
LIDDELL,  WILLIAM.     Portobello,  1839. 

LIDDELL,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  449  High  Street,  1819; 
5  Bank  Street,  1822. 

LIDDLE  OR  LIDDALL  &  SONS.     5  Bank  Street,  Edin- 
burgh, 1830-50. 

"  REMOVAL  AND  SALE  OF  WATCHES  AND  CLOCKS. — 
Liddall  &  Sons,  watchmakers,  5  Bank  Street,  respectfully 
intimate  that  they  remove  at  Whitsunday  to  No.  24 
South  Bridge,  and  will  at  reduced  prices  dispose  of 
their  present  extensive  stock  of  watches,  clocks,  etc." — 
Edinburgli  Evening  Courant,  22nd  March  1834. 

"  Liddall  &  Sons,  watchmakers,  5  Bank  Street, 
return  their  sincere  thanks  for  the  liberal  share  of 
patronage  which  they  have  so  long  received,  and 
respectfully  intimate  that  at  Whitsunday  last  they 
opened  additional  premises,  24  South  Bridge,  at  both  of 
which  places  they  will  have  always  on  hand  a  select 
assortment  of  gold  and  silver  watches,  new  and  second- 
hand. A  few  eight-day  clocks  in  mahogany  cases,  £6 
each,  spring  timekeepers  for  shops,  counting-houses,  etc., 
five  guineas  and  upward. 

"  N.B. — Watches  of  every  description  repaired  and 
cleaned  equal  to  any  house  in  London  on  very  moderate 
terms." — Scotsman^  i/th  September  1834. 

LIGHTBODY,  JAMES.     West  Port,  Lanark,  1820-37. 
LIGHTBODY,  JOHN.     High  Street,  Lanark,  1799-1837. 
LINDSAY,  LUKE.     46  Hamilton  Street,  Greenock,  1823-38. 
LINDSAY,  WILLIAM.     239  Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1825. 

LINLITHGOW — Notices  regarding  Town  Clocks  of,  1710- 
1857. 

2nd  December  1710. — <c  The  council  for  the  future 
agree  that  George  Brown,  last  Deacon,  shall  keep  the 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  225 

two  clocks  for  18  lib.  yearly,  and  a  quart  of  oil,  during 
the  council's  pleasure." 

\$th  September  1760. — "The  council  having  con- 
sidered the  estimate  by  Deacon  Davie  for  repairing  the 
town  clock,  also  a  report  by  Robert  Thomson,  clock 
and  watch  maker  in  Bo'ness,  concerning  the  necessary 
repairs  to  be  made  on  the  said  clock,  the  council 
appoints  Deacon  Davie  immediately  to  set  about  the 
said  repairs  and  to  finish  the  same  in  terms  of 
Mr  Thomson's  report  sufficiently,  for  which  the  Deacon 
is  to  have  the  sum  of  six  pounds  sterling  in  full,  of  all 
he  can  ask  or  claim  for  making  the  said  repairs,  and 
the  Deacon  submits  himself  to  the  council  as  to  the 
sufficiency  of  the  said  work  when  it  is  finished,  and  the 
estimate  lodged  with  the  clock." 

2ist  November  1761. — "The  which  day  the  council 
considering  the  report  from  John  Davie,  that  he  wanted 
the  town  clock  to  be  taken  off  his  hands  at  this  term  of 
Martinmas,  and  desired  a  visation  thereof,  therefore 
the  council  do  hereby  nominate  and  appoint  Mr  Robert 
Alexander,  clockmaker  in  Bathgate,  and  John  Johnstoun, 
smith,  in  Swine  Alley  (to  give  a  report)." 

By  the  kindness  of  James  Russell,  Esq.,  Town  Clerk 
of  Linlithgow,  these  minutes  from  the  Council  Records 
are  now  given  for  the  first  time.  Our  application  to  him 
for  inspection  of  these  records  was  cordially  granted, 
and  it  is  a  pleasure  to  announce  that  nowhere  have  we 
seen,  excepting  Edinburgh  or  Glasgow,  and  one  or  two 
large  towns  in  Scotland,  such  an  immense  number  of 
finely  bound  manuscript  volumes  and  records  as  those 
contained  in  the  safe  of  the  Council  Chambers  of 
Linlithgow. 

"  The  above  clock  appears  to  have  done  duty  till  1847, 
when  it  was  destroyed  by  fire,  and  not  till  1857  was  a 
new  one  erected,  which  was  made  by  Mr  Mackenzie, 
Glasgow,  and  is  believed  to  be  the  first  turret  clock 
constructed  in  Scotland  on  the  same  principles  as  the 
celebrated  Westminster  Palace  clock,  the  works  being 
principally  of  cast  iron  and  the  escapement  the  new 
gravity  one." — WALDIE'S  History  of  Linlithgow,  page  16. 

P 


226  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

LION,  ROBERT.     Carnwath,  1836. 
LITTLE,  JAMES.     High  Street,  Annan,  1820. 
LITTLE,  JAMES.     Annan;  died  1831,  aged  56  years. 
LITTLE,  JOHN.     High  Street,  Annan,  1836. 
LITTLEJOHN,  WILSON.     Peterhead,  1846. 
LIVINGSTONE,  EDWARD.     Dundee,  1790. 
LIVINGSTONE,  GEORGE.     Edinburgh,  1769. 

Booked  apprentice  to  John  Murdoch  7th  January 
1769. 

LOCH  ART,  WILLIAM.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1813-22. 

LOCK,  ROBERT.     4  West  Arthur  Place,  Edinburgh,  1825. 

LOCKE  &  HUTTON.     Dunfermline,  1825. 

LOGAN,  THOMAS.     Maybole,  1820-37. 

LOGAN,  WILLIAM.    Ballater,  1846. 

LOGIE,  ROBERT.     Richmond  Street,  Edinburgh,  1784-1827. 
26th  November  1784. — "Bound    apprentice  to  John 
Cleland." 

^rd  May  1806. — "  Compeared  and  produced  his 
essay,  a  watch  movement  begun,  made,  and  finished  in 
his  own  shop  in  presence  of  Robert  Green,  landlord,  and 
Robert  Hinmers,  Thomas  Morgan,  and  Thomas  Sibbald, 
essay  masters,  as  they  declared,  etc." — E.  H.  Records. 

"  Lost  or  stolen  on  Wednesday  night  last  a  silver 
caped  and  jewelled  day  of  the  month  watch,  maker's 
name,  David  Craig,  Ford,  Pathhead,  No.  765.  Whoever 
will  bring  the  same  to  Robert  Logic,  watchmaker, 
Richmond  Street,  Edinburgh,  shall  have  forty  shillings 
of  reward." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,g\h  June  1804. 

LOUDON,  DAVID.     Kilwinning,  1843. 

LOUDON,  JOHN.     Irvine,  1820. 

LOVE,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1774. 

LOVE,  JAMES.     Elgin,  1712. 

LOVE,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1779. 

LOVE,  JOHN.     48  King  Street,  Glasgow,  1828. 

LOVE,  NEILSON.     Port  Glasgow  about  1770. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  227 

LOW,  ALEXANDER.    Edinburgh,  1799. 

LOW,  ALEXANDER.    Errol,  1815-37. 

"  Alexander  Low,  watchmaker  in  Errol,  served  Heir 
General  to  his  father,  John  Low,  smith  in  Cupar- Angus, 
dated  I7th  November  1815.  Recorded  1st  December 
1 8 1 5." — Services  of  Heirs. 

LOW,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1755-61. 

"  Son  of  George  Low,  staymaker  in  Canongate ; 
booked  apprentice  to  Robert  Clidsdale  3rd  February 
1755.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  I9th  December 
1761."— E.  H.  Records. 

LOW,  JOHN.     St  Malcolm's  Lane,  Kirriemuir,  1837. 

LOW,  THOMAS.     Bridgend,  Perth,  1843. 

LOW,  THOMAS.     204  Overgate,  Dundee,  1828. 

LOW,  THOMAS.     Murray  Street,  Perth,  1843. 

LOWE,  -    — .     Arbroath,  1784. 

LOWE,  -    — .     Errol,  Perthshire,  1836. 

LUCAS,  ALEXANDER.    Argyll  Arcade,  Glasgow,  1849. 

LUMSDANE,  WALTER.     Cupar-Fife,  1740-92. 

"James  Bell,  smith  in  Edinburgh,  served  Heir 
Portioner  General  to  his  grandfather,  Walter  Lumsdane, 
watchmaker  in  Cupar,  dated  28th  December  1792. 
Recorded  2nd  January  1793." — Services  of  Heirs. 

LUMSDANE,  WALTER.     Cupar-Fife,  1792. 

"  Watchmaker  in  Cupar  ;  served  Heir  General  to  his 
father,  Walter  Lumsdane,  watchmaker  there,  dated 
6th  October  1792.  Recorded  October  1792." — Services 
of  Heirs. 

LUMSDEN,  DAVID.     Anstruther,  1850-1909. 

Born  1827;  was  nephew  of  George  Lumsden,  sen., 
of  Pittenweem,  with  whom  he  served. his  apprenticeship. 
Subsequently  a  magistrate  and  member  of  the  School 
Board  of  Anstruther.  Retired  from  business  in  1896. 

LUMSDEN,  GEORGE,  sen.     Pittenweem,  1818-49. 

This  maker  was  an  apprentice  of  his  celebrated 
townsman,  John  Smith  (q.v.),  and  commenced  business 
for  himself  about  1818.  He  carried  on  an  extensive 
trade,  and  his  productions  are  to  be  found  all  along  the 


228  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

coast  fishing  towns  and  villages  in  the  East  Neuk  of 
Fife.  Suiting  the  designs  of  his  clock  dials  to  the  tastes 
of  his  customers,  many  of  them  have  painted  on  them 
ships,  fishing-boats,  and  the  like,  which  were  in  a  large 
number  of  cases  the  production  of  the  pencil  of  James 
Brown,  joiner,  Pittenweem.  George  Lumsden  died 
28th  March  1849,  aged  55  years. 
LUMSDEN,  GEORGE,  jun.  Pittenweem,  1849-99. 

Succeeded  to  his  father's  business  about  1849;  died 
27th  December  1899,  aged  67  years. 

LUMSDEN,  JOHN.     Aberdeen,  1735-57- 
LUNAN,  CHARLES,  sen.     Aberdeen,  1760-1816. 

"Died  at  Aberdeen  on  the  loth  January  1816 
Mr  Charles  Lunan,  clock  and  watch  maker.  He  was 
a  man  of  uncommon  shrewdness,  intelligence,  and  native 
strength  of  mind,  and  from  his  inventive  genius  in 
mechanics  much  might  have  been  expected  had  his 
powers  received  a  more  early  culture,  a  circumstance 
which  he  often  regretted  during  the  latter  part  of  his 
life.  He  has,  however,  left  behind  him  many  specimens 
of  his  ingenuity  and  of  the  accuracy  with  which  he  could 
execute  the  finest  pieces  of  mechanism." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  2Oth  January  1816. 

"  Ann  Aiken  or  Hewit,  served  Co-heir  of  Provision 
General  to  her  grand  father  and  mother,  Charles  Lunan, 
watchmaker,  and  Mary  Thomson,  spouse,  Aberdeen, 
dated  8th  March  1855.  Recorded  I9th  March  1855."— 
Services  of  Heirs. 

LUNDIE,  JOHN.     High  Street,  Dundee,  1809-37. 
LUNDIE,  JOHN.     Elgin  ;  apprentice  to  John  Brown,  Elgin, 

1743- 
LUNDIE,  WILLIAM.     Inverurie;  died  1816,  aged  73  years. 

Was  the  first  postmaster  of  that  town. 

LUNN,  CHARLES.     Edinburgh,  1799-1806. 

Bound  apprentice  to  James  Howden,  3 1st  October 
1799.  Discharged  of  his  indentures,  24th  November 
1806. 

LYNDSAY,  ALEXANDER.    Aberdeen,  1537.     See  page  2. 
LYON    .     Bathgate,  1810. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  229 

LYON,  ANDREW.     Port  Glasgow,  1783-99. 
LYON,  CHARLES.     Castlegate,  Lanark,  1820. 

LYON,  JAMES  WALTER  &  Co.  80  George  Street,  Edin- 
burgh, 1842. 

MACADAM,  WALTER.    Glasgow,  1800. 

MACADAM,  WALTER.     Bathgate,  1840-50. 

MACARA,  ROBERT.     High  Street,  Dunfermline,  1796-1820. 

MACCLYMONT,  JAMES.    Ayr,  1761. 

MACFARLAN,  DUNCAN.     159  Trongate,  Glasgow,  1818; 

and  Son,  1828. 

MACFARLANE,  A.  P.     76  Trongate,  Glasgow,  1841. 
MACFARLANE,  D.     3  Nelson  Street,  Glasgow,  1841. 
MACFARLANE,  PATRICK.    Gallowgate,  Glasgow,  1781. 
MACFARLANE,  PETER.     10  Arcade,  Glasgow,  1841. 
MACGREGOR,  DUNCAN.     Comrie,  1837. 

Model,  description,  and  drawing  of  an  inside  pendulum 

escapement  by  Mr  Duncan  Macgregor,  smith,  Comrie, 

shown  at  a  meeting  of  the  Royal  Scottish  Society  of 

Arts  held  on  loth  May  1837. 

MACIVER,  MURDO.     High  Street,  Dingwall,  1836. 
MACKAY,  ALEXANDER.    Peterhead,  1798-1807. 

"  John    Mackay,   farmer   in    old    town    of   Coynach, 

served  Heir  General  to  his  brother,  Alexander  Mackay, 

watchmaker,    Peterhead,    dated     7th     February     1807. 

Recorded   I4th  February  1807." — Services  of  Heirs. 

MACKAY,  ALEXANDER.    Banff,  1774. 
MACKAY,  JOHN.     Edinburgh.     See  page  148. 

MACKAY  &  CHISHOLM.  Edinburgh,  1835  to  present 
day.  See  note  on  Wm.  Forrest  &  Co.,  Edinburgh, 
page  148,  for  the  origin  of  this  firm. 

"Mackay  &  Chisholm,  49  New  Buildings,  North 
Bridge,  Edinburgh,  respectfully  invite  the  continued 
continuance  of  their  Friends  and  the  Public  to  this 
warehouse  for  all  kinds  of  Antique  and  Modern  Plate, 
Jewellery,  Watches,  as  from  M.  &  C.'s  practical  know- 
ledge in  every  branch  of  the  business  they  feel  assured 
that  superior  advantage  in  some  departments  at  least 
may  be  obtained  by  patrons  of  this  establishment. 


230  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

"  A  set  of  medals  of  the  Kings  of  England  in  bronze, 
from  William  the  Conqueror  to  George  III.,  also  sets  of 
Napoleon  medals  in  bronze  and  silver.  M.  &  C.  being 
authorized  to  collect  and  discharge  the  debts  of  the  late 
copartnery,  those  due  are  respectfully  requested  to  order 
payment  as  soon  as  possible." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  4th  April  1837. 

This  well-known  firm  removed  to  57  Princes  Street 
in  1879,  and  to  No.  59  in  1908,  where  the  business  is 
still  carried  on. 

MACKENZIE,  COLIN.     Inverness,  1800. 

MACKENZIE, .     Glasgow.     See  page  225. 

MACKERSON,  DAVID.     Edinburgh,  1704-12. 

"Son  to  the  deceased  George  Mackerson,  maltman 
in  Wester  Weems ;  booked  apprentice  to  Paul  Romieu, 
jun.,  watchmaker,  5th  February  1704." 

ijth  May  1711. — "There  being  a  petition  given  in 
by  David  Mackerson,  late  apprentice  to  Paul  Romieu, 
clockmaker,  craving  that  although  the  eight  years 
contained  in  his  indentures  will  not  be  expired  until  the 
2nd  of  December  next,  that  the  Incorporation  may 
grant  warrant  to  discharge  his  indentures  in  regard  that 
both  his  master  and  mistress  are  dead  and  that  he 
cannot  get  work  among  the  freemen  of  the  Incorpora- 
tion. The  house  do  unanimously  grant  warrant  to  the 
present  Deacon  and  Boxmaster  to  discharge  the  said 
David  Mackerson  his  indenture,  to  the  effect  he  may 
get  his  freedom  thereby  in  regard  there  is  but  a  short 
time  of  the  eight  years  to  run,  and  that  his  art  have 
consented  to  his  being  admitted  freeman,  especially 
considering  there  are  few  watchmakers  in  this  city  at 
present  to  serve  Her  Majesties  lieges.  But  they  do 
declare  that  this  is  not  to  be  a  precedent  for  the  time  to 
come  but  only  granted  to  the  petitioner  upon  the  special 
considerations  above  given." 

gth  February  1712. — "  Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  viz.,  the  movements  of  a  watch,  which  was  found  a 
well  wrought  essay,  etc.  His  essay  masters  were  George 
Mitchell  and  Richard  Alcorne.  The  essay  was  made  in 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCK  MAKERS  231 

Robert  Alexander's  shop  (rest  of  minute  same  as  given 
in  admission  of  Robert  Alexander)." — E.  H.  Records. 

MACK  IE,  ANDREW.     Fraserburgh,  1837. 

MACKIE,  JOHN.     Ellon,  1837. 

MACKIE,  WILLIAM.     73  George  Street,  Aberdeen,  1837. 

MACLEAN,   ANDREW.     Edinburgh,  1783-1812.     See  note 
on  Peter  Forrester  &  Co.,  Edinburgh,  page  148. 
Apprenticed  to  Robert  Aitchison,  8th  May  1784. 

"  Andrew  Maclean,  watchmaker,  Edinburgh,  served 
Heir  General  to  his  father,  Robert  Maclean,  Accountant 
of  Excise,  dated  27th  December  1811.  Recorded  2nd 
January  1812." — Services  of  Heirs. 

MACLEAN,  GEORGE.     Bristo,  Edinburgh,  1776. 

2O///  February  1776. — "Presented  a  petition  offering 
Forty  pounds  for  the  freedom,  which  was  remitted  to 
the  watchmakers,  who  were  ordered  to  make  their  report 
against  next  meeting." 

4th  May  1776.— "The  clock  and  watch  makers 
reported  that  they  had  agreed  to  refuse  George 
Maclean's  petition." 

26th June  1776. — "The  Incorporation  appointed  the 
deacon  and  treasurer  to  prosecute  the  process  of 
advocation  against  George  Maclean,  late  clock  and 
watch  maker  in  Bristo,  and  authorised  them  to  advise 
with  the  best  lawyers  thereanent." — E.  H.  Records. 
MACLENNAN,  JOHN.  Born  at  Dingwall ;  died  in  London, 

1886,  aged  72  years. 
MACNAB,  JOHN.     Perth,  1824-42. 
MACNAB,  ROBERT.     Perth,  1800. 

MACNEE,  WILLIAM.     153  High  Street,  Edinburgh,  1850. 
MACPHERSON,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1773-85. 

2$rd  September  1773. — "Booked  apprentice  to  his 
father,  Normond  Macpherson." 

igth  July  1783. — "Presented  a  petition  craving  to  be 
admitted  freeman." 

igth  August  1783. — "Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  plain  watch  movement  begun,  made,  and 
finished  in  presence  of  the  essay  master  as  they  declared, 
etc." — E.  H.  Records. 


232  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

"  Mrs  Macpherson,  relict  of  the  deceased  Normond 
Macpherson,  late  clock  and  watch  maker  in  Edinburgh, 
and  John  Macpherson,  his  son,  are  to  continue  and  carry 
on  the  business  of  clock  and  watch  making  in  all  its 
branches.  John  Macpherson,  for  some  time  previous 
to  his  father's  decease,  managed  and  conducted  the 
business,  and  he  hopes  his  unremitted  attention  and 
assiduity  will  secure  him  the  favour  and  continuance  of 
his  father's  employers." — Caledonian  Mercury,  i6th  June 
1783. 

"  The  copartnership  of  Macpherson  &  Co.,  clock  and 
watch  makers,  Edinburgh,  being  now  dissolved  by  the 
death  of  John  Macpherson,  the  business  is  to  be  carried 
on  as  formerly  for  the  behoof  of  the  widows  of  Normond 
and  John  Macpherson  by  a  well-known  experienced 
workman,  Thomas  Leslie  (q.v.),  who  has  been  for  these 
ten  years  past  in  the  shop  and  bore  a  very  active  hand 
in  the  management.  It  is  therefore  humbly  hoped  that 
those  who  were  pleased  to  employ  Normond  Macpherson 
(see  below),  or  the  company  since  his  decease,  will 
continue  their  favours,  as  every  effort  shall  be  used  and 
the  greatest  attention  paid  to  merit  the  approbation  of 
the  public." — Ibid.,  1st  January  1785. 

MACPHERSON,  NORMOND.     Edinburgh,  1749-83. 

"  Son  to  William  Macpherson,  Excise  Officer ; 
booked  to  Andrew  Dickie  5th  August  1749.  Dis- 
charged of  his  indentures  i/th  November  1759.  Pre- 
sented a  bill  to  be  admitted  freeman,  and  an  essay  and 
essay  masters  were  appointed  to  him  on  23rd  July  1763. 

"  Compeared  on  4th  February  1764,  and  presented 
his  essay,  being  a  watch  movement  made  in  his  own 
house,  as  Samuel  Brown,  Daniel  Binny,  and  William 
Auld,  his  essay  masters,  declared,  which  was  found  a  well 
wrought  essay,  etc.,  and  the  said  Normond  Macpherson 
was  admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker  of  this 
Incorporation." — E.  H.  Records. 

"  Macpherson,  Watchmaker,  Edinburgh,  gives  his 
most  grateful  acknowledgments  to  his  friends  and 
customers,  and  acquaints  them  that  he  has  moved  from 
the  back  of  the  City  Guard  to  a  well  frequented  shop  at 
the  upper  or  west  end  of  the  Luckenbooths,  fronting  the 
Lawnmarket,  where  he  carries  on  the  clock  and  watch 


EIGHT-DAY 

In  mahogany  case,  with  Seconds'  Hand  from  centre,'  by 
Normond  Macpherson,  Edinburgh,  £743*83".  Tbe'^lopjuy 
of  the  British  Linen  Bank,'  Eduibirtgb.;  X.^  P.-34-/.  I/ 


[To  face  page  232. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  233 

making  business  in  all  its  branches,  and  has  at  all  times 
a  good  assortment  of  clocks  and  watches  which  he 
sells  on  the  most  reasonable  terms,  also  repairs  clocks 
and  watches  of  all  kinds.  An  apprentice  wanted." — 
Caledonian  Mercury,  8th  September  1781. 

"  To  be  sold  by  public  roup  on  Wednesday,  the  3<Dth 
January,  betwixt  the  hours  of  five  and  six  afternoon, 
the  dwelling-house  and  shop  lying  at  the  back  of  the 
City  Guard  as  previously  possessed  by  Mr  Macpherson, 
watchmaker,  at  the  yearly  rent  of  £18  sterling." — Ibid., 
I2th  January  1782. 

"  Macpherson,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker,  formerly  at 
the  back  of  the  City  Guard,  now  in  the  Lawnmarket, 
near  the  head  of  Forrester's  Wynd,  has  at  present  on 
hand  a  very  valuable  assortment  of  the  following  goods, 
all  warranted,  which  he  is  determined  to  sell  on  the 
most  moderate  terms: — Gold  and  silver  cap'd,  jewelled, 
and  horizontal  watches ;  gold  and  silver  repeating 
watches ;  gold,  pinchbeck,  and  silver  stop  watches  with 
seconds  from  the  centre  or  from  the  cantrate  axis ;  gold 
and  pinchbeck  graved  and  chessed  watches ;  gold  cap'd 
and  jewelled  or  with  plain  movements ;  gold  and  pinch- 
beck enamelled  watches ;  pinchbeck  watches  of  all  kinds 
with  plain,  graved,  chessed,  Nourse  skin  and  tortoise-shell 
cases;  the  much  approved  of  and  fashionable  large-sized 
silver  watches,  with  seconds  from  the  cantrate  axis ; 
eight-day  spring  or  table  clocks  for  striking  the  hours 
and  chiming  the  quarters;  eight-day  plain  spring  or 
table  clocks,  with  a  variety  of  eight-day  long  clocks  and 
timepieces  in  mahogany  or  wainscot  cases  ;  timepieces 
for  chapels  or  gentlemen's  kitchens,  with  large  or  small 
dials.  Clocks  and  watches  lent  out  by  the  month  or  year. 
Clocks  wound  up,  regulated,  and  kept  by  the  year  at  a 
moderate  rate. 

"  N.B. — At  said  shop  and  no  where  else  may  be  had 
equation  tables,  without  which  no  gentleman  or  watch- 
maker can  set  clocks  or  watches  with  the  sundial. 
Commissions  from  the  country  carefully  attended  to." — 
Ibid.,  2nd  January  1783. 

To  Normond  Macpherson  has  been  given  the 
honour  of  having  his  name  and  pedigree  duly  recorded 
in  Douglas's  Baronage  of  Scotland.  His  father  was  the 
fourth  son  of  William  Macpherson  of  Nuid.  In  1722 
the  eldest  son  of  this  latter,  named  Lauchlin,  succeeded 


234  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

to  the  chieftainship  and  was  ever  afterwards  designated 
by  the  title  of  Cluny.  It  thus  followed  that  Normond 
was  the  nephew  of  this  chieftain,  and  it  is  interesting  to 
note  that  all  Normond's  brothers,  five  in  number,  were 
engaged  in  industrial  or  commercial  pursuits,  such  as  a 
hosier,  merchant  tailor,  schoolmaster,  another  captain 
of  a  privateer,  who,  having  made  a  handsome  fortune, 
settled  in  Philadelphia,  while  the  fifth  was  bred  a  writer 
and  invented  some  new  machine  of  great  use  in  the 
dressing  of  flax  and  hemp.  There  can  be  no  doubt  that 
this  aristocratic  family  connection  was  a  considerable 
factor  in  Normond  Macpherson's  career.  He  died  in 
1783,  after  carrying  on  an  extensive  business  for  over 
twenty  years,  when  it  was  continued  by  his  son,  who  died 
two  years  later  (see  page  232).  The  business  was  next 
carried  on  under  the  title  of  Macpherson  &  Co.,  or 
Macpherson  and  Leslie.  A  characteristic  example  of 
Normond  Macpherson's  handiwork  is  now  located  in  the 
board  room  of  the  British  Linen  Bank,  St  Andrew- 
Square,  Edinburgh  (see  illustration,  page  232),  and  there 
is  a  capital  example  of  a  bracket  clock  in  ebony  case, 
the  property  of Mackay,  Esq.,  W.S.,  Edinburgh. 

MACPHERSON  &  Co.     Edinburgh,  1783-85. 

"  Lost  yesterday,  betwixt  the  bottle  work  in  Leith 
and  the  Friggate  Whins  or  thereabouts,  a  silver  watch, 
maker's  name,  John  Gibsted,  London,  No.  74.  Whoever 
has  found  the  same  by  applying  to  Macpherson  &  Co., 
watchmakers,  Edinburgh,  shall  be  handsomely  rewarded." 
— Edinburgh  Evening  Courant^  4th  July  1785. 

MACPHERSON  &  LESLIE.     Edinburgh,  1785-88. 

"  Lost  or  stolen  at  Dunfermline  on  the  25th  curt,  a 
gold  watch  made  by  Charleson,  London,  No.  4572,  with 
a  gold  dial  plate.  Whoever  is  in  possession  of  the  same, 
upon  delivering  it  to  Macpherson  and  Leslie,  watch- 
makers here,  shall  be  handsomely  rewarded.  It  is 
entreated  that  if  the  above  watch  is  offered  for  sale  or 
otherwise,  it  may  be  stopped,  and  information  sent  as 
above." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant^  3ist  December 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  235 

MACRAE,    ALEXANDER.      13    Bridge    Street,    Inverness, 

1837- 

MACRAE,  JOHN.     11  High  Street,  Inverness,  1837. 
MAC  VICAR,  ARCHIBALD.     Lundie  Mill,  Fife,  1830-42. 

MAGDALEN     CHAPEL,    Cowgate,    Edinburgh— Notices 
regarding  Bell  and  Clock  of, 

This  old  pre-Reformation  building  was  the  meeting- 
place  of  the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen  of  Edin- 
burgh. Although  the  place  was  in  their  keeping  from 
1560,  it  was  not  until  well  into  the  seventeenth  century 
that  the  erection  of  a  public  clock  was  accomplished. 
The  steeple  or  spire  where  the  clock  was  put  is  of  a 
later  date  than  the  chapel  itself.  It  took  the  place  of 
a  wooden  belfry,  which  was  erected  about  1580,  and 
owing  to  the  expense  the  upkeep  of  it  caused,  and  the 
danger  of  fire,  it  was  resolved  to  build  a  new  stone 
spire  in  1618.  Not  till  1628  was  it  finished,  and  the 
"  minutes  "  during  those  ten  years  are  of  great  interest, 
but,  as  these  lie  outside  the  purposes  of  this  book,  we 
confine  ourselves  to  the  earliest  mention  of  the  erection 
of  the  fine  bell  which  still  hangs  in  this  same  steeple, 
making  it  undoubtedly  the  only  one  in  Edinburgh  still 
to  the  fore  which  has  never  been  disturbed  by  the 
hand  of  the  restorer  or  moved  from  the  position  for 
which  it  was  originally  made,  making  its  survival  unique 
in  the  annals  of  old  bells  in  the  city  of  Edinburgh. 
The  acquisition  of  the  bell  paved  the  way  for  a  clock, 
and  the  following  notices,  entirely  from  the  MSS. 
records  of  the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen,  and  now 
made  available  for  the  first  time,  give  in  language 
sometimes  quaint  and  pathetic  the  history  of  what 
turned  out  to  be  a  serious  matter  for  the  finances  of 
the  craft.  As  noted  elsewhere  every  clock  and  watch- 
maker had  to  become  a  member  of  the  Hammermen 
craft,  therefore  it  is  reasonable  to  assume  that  the 
official  clock  and  bell  would  receive  due  attention  from 
these  members  during  their  erection  and  installation. 

25//z    October   1631. — "The   same   day  ye  Deakene, 
Maisteris,  and    haill    bretherene    of   ye    Hammermen 


23G  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

ordenis  ye  Chapell  and  Clerkis  hous  to  be  beitit 
(probably  harled)  and  ye  bell  hung  in  ye  new  stepill, 
and  ye  chairges  yairof  sail  be  allowit  to  ye  boxmaister." 

(This  refers  to  the  old  bell  which  had  hung  in 
the  wooden  belfry,  and,  as  will  be  seen  further  on,  was 
quite  inadequate  for  such  a  powerful  incorporation.) 

2^th  February  1632. — "The  qlk  day  ye  Deakin 
Maisteris,  and  haill  breitherene  of  ye  Hammermen  of 
Edinburt  being  convenit  wtin  yair  chaipell  callit  ye 
Magdalene  Chaipell,  and  yair  efter  rype  deliberatioun 
maid  and  ressouning  amongst  yame  selvis,  considering 
yat  they  have  ane  fair  steipill  bot  ane  small  bell  ye  sound 
yrof  is  not  far  hard,  and  for  ye  credeit  of  yair  craft, 
decoirment  and  honour  of  ye  guid  toune,  and  yat  yair 
bell  may  be  hard  throw  ye  haill  toune  at  all  occasiounis, 
and  to  move  utheris  to  gif  to  so  guid  ane  work,  they 
all  in  ane  voice  have  thocht  guid  yat  every  airt  convene 
be  yame  selvis  and  contribuit  and  gather  amongst  yame 
selvis,  that  thing  yat  it  sail  pleis  God  to  move  every  ane 
of  yair  hertis  to  gif  to  buy  ane  new  bell  of  gritter  wecht, 
and  ane  knok  gif  it  can  be  ateinit  to,  and  this  collectioun 
to  be  collectit,  gatherit,  and  given  in  to  ye  Deakin 
and  Maisteris  betwixt  and  paische  next  to  cum.  And 
for  yat  effect  hes  appoyuntit  ye  persounis  of  every  airt 
underwritten  to  be  collectors  yairof  fra  yair  awin  airtis. 
To  wit : — Thomas  Baxter,  for  ye  blaksmythis  ;  Alexander 
Thomsone,  for  ye  cuitleris ;  Richard  Maxwell,  for 
ye  saidleris  ;  Thomas  Broun,  elder,  for  ye  loksmythis  ; 
Johne  Callender,  for  ye  lorimeris ;  Thomas  Quhyt,  for 
ye  armoraris  ;  Thomas  Inglis,  for  ye  peudereris  ;  Johne 
Ormestoun,  for  ye  scheirsmythis." 

2ist  June  1632. — "The  same  day  ye  Deacin  and 
haill  Maisteris  all  in  ane  voice  appoyntis  ye  bell  to 
be  maid  to  yair  steipill  to  be  castin  in  Flanderis  and 
to  be  stokit  yair.  And  appoyntis  Thomas  Ouhyt, 
pret.  Deakin,  Thomas  Weir,  Thomas  Broun,  elder, 
and  James  Smyth,  Thomas  Inglis,  to  be  doeris  for  ye 
same." 

$\st  October  1632. — "  The  qlk  day  ye  Deakin  and  haill 
maisteris  ordenis  ye  bell  to  be  hung  in  ye  steipill,  and 


MAGDALEN  CHAPEL,  COWGATE,  EDINBURGH. 
Founded  1542.     (See  p.  235.) 


[To  face  page   236. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  237 

appoyntis  Thomas  Ouhyt,  prest.  Deakin,  Thomas  Weir, 
Thomas  Broun,  elder,  Thomas  Inglis,  Johne  Ormestoun, 
and  James  Smyth,  to  be  doeris  for  ye  same,  and  to 
sie  ye  samyn  weill  done,  and  orderis  yame  wt  Thomas 
Baxter,  Andro  Haliburtoun,  Alexander  Thomsone, 
Johne  West,  Richard  Maxwell,  Dauid  Broun,  Thomas 
Broun,  William  Baxter,  and  Johne  Kello,  to  be  col- 
lectouris  and  gathereris  of  ye  moneyis  alreddie  collectit, 
and  to  do  yair  seact  dilligence  to  collect  mair,  and 
qtever  they  do  yairintill  sail  be  allowit. 

"  The  same  day  Thomas  Quhyt,  prest.  Deakin  of 
ye  Hammermen,  declairit  to  ye  craft  yat  he  had 
ressaunt  fra  Williame  Carnegie,  lait  Deakin  Convenour, 
ye  sowme  of  nyne  scoir  merkis  qlk  ye  said  Williame 
Carnegie  had  collectit  and  gatherit  amongst  ye  Deakinis 
following  to  help  to  pay  for  ye  bell  in  ye  Magdalene 
Chaipell  in  maner  following,  viz.,  given  in  be  ye  said — 

"  Williame  Carnegie  as  Deakin  of  ye  Skinneris 

Tuentie  merkis. 

"  Ye  Deakin  of  ye  Chirurgianes  Tuentie  merkis. 

"Thomas  Quhyt,  Deakin  of  ye  Hammermen 

Tuentie  merkis. 

"  Deakin  of  ye  Tailzeris  Tuentie  merkis. 

"  Deakin  of  ye  Cordineris  Tuentie  merkis. 

"Deakin  of  ye  Maesounis  and  Wrichtis 

Tuentie  merkis. 

"Deakin  of  ye  Baxteris  Tuentie  merkis. 

"  Deakin  of  ye  Fleschouris  Tuentie  merkis. 

"  Deakin  of  ye  Wobsteris  Ten  merkis. 

"  Deakin  of  ye  Walkeris  Fyve  merkis. 

"  Deakin  of  ye  Bonatmakeris  Fyve  merkis. 

"  Qlk  sowme  of  nyne  scoir  merkis  the  said  Thomas 
Quhyt,  Deakin,  promicit  to  mak  furt  comand  to  ye 
craft  qnevir  they  pleisit,  qlk  ye  said  craft  was  content 
wt  and  ordainit  yat  ye  extract  of  this  prest.  act  under 
yair  clarkis  hand  sould  be  ane  sufficient  chairg  to  ye 
said  Williame  Carnegie  qrupoun  this  act  is  maid." 

22nd  day  of  December  1632.  —  "The  qlk  day  ye 
maisteris  and  greatest  pairt  of  ye  haill  craft  ordenis  ane 
band  (bond)  to  be  maid  to  Thomas  Weir  and  to  be 


238  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

subscribit  be  ye  Deakin  and  boxmaister  of  ye  sowme 
of  sevin  hundreth  pundis,  and  thretie  fyve  pundis  for  ye 
anuell  yairof  to  be  payit  at  witsounday  next  to  cum  qlk 
is  zit  restand  awand  (owing)  of  ye  pryce  of  ye  bell,  and 
ye  saidis  maisteris  and  breitherene  prest.  bindis  and 
obleiss  yame  to  releive  yame  yairof." 

1st  day  of  August  1633. — "The  Deakin  and  haill 
maisteris  all  in  ane  voice  ordanis  ye  meikill  bell 
to  be  rung  fra  Sunday  next  to  cum  at  fyve  houris  in 
ye  morning,  and  aucht  houris  at  nicht ;  and  ye  littell 
bell  to  be  rung  at  sevin  houris  in  ye  morning  and  sevin 
houris  at  nicht. 

"  The  same  day  ye  Deakin  and  breitherene  ordenis 
Johne  Ormestoun  to  deburse  and  gif  furt.  to  Thomas 
Weir  ye  sowme  of  fourtie  thrie  pundis  ane  schilling 
of  ye  foir  end  of  his  intromissiounes,  with  ye  moneyis 
yat  is  collectit  to  pay  for  ye  bell  qrof  yair  is  thretie 
fyve  pundis  allowit  to  ye  said  Thomas  Weir  for  his 
witsunday  termes  anuell  last  by  past  of  ye  sowme 
of  sevin  hundreth  pundis  addetit  to  him  be  ye  craft. 
And  yt  was  lost  out  of  his  band  sextene  schillingis. 
And  yat  he  payit  out  of  chairgis  in  helping  of  ye  bell 
in  wricht  work  and  yrone  work  sevin  pundis  fyve 
schillingis." 

2<\tk  day  of  September  1633. — "The  qlk  day  ye 
Deakin  and  haill  maisteris  appoyntis  Thomas  Ouhyt, 
Thomas  Weir,  Thomas  Baxter,  Johne  Wast,  Thomas 
Wilsoun,  Thomas  Broun,  younger,  Dauid  Clark,  and 
Johne  Ormestoun  to  go  throw  (through)  ye  nytbouris 
(neighbours)  and  collect  ane  collectioune  to  help  to  pay 
ye  bell." 

2ist  day  of  November  1633. — "The  qlk  day  ye  haill  craft 
ordenis  Richard  Maxwell,  yair  prest.  Deakin,  and  Andro 
Haliburtoune,  yair  prest.  boxmaister,  to  gif  ane  band 
(bond)  to  Thomas  Weir  in  name  of  Mr  James  Wallace, 
his  brother  in  law,  of  ye  sowme  of  Thrie  hundret 
pundis  as  zit  restand  awand  (owing)  of  yair  bell 
siluer." 

7th  day  of  Appryll  1640.—"  The  qlk  day  ye  Deakin 
and  maisteris  ordenis  ye  great  bell  to  be  taikin  doune 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKEUS  239 

(taken  down)  out  of  ye  steipill  for  preventing  of 
danger,  and  appoyntis  James  Monteith,  prest.  boxmaister, 
Andro  Haliburtone,  Robert  Kennedie,  James  Smythe, 
Thomas  Broun,  elder,  maister  smyth,  Thomas  Inglis, 
and  Johne  Scharpe,  to  have  ane  kair  (care)  of  ye  doun 
taking  yairof  and  to  put  ye  same  in  sume  saiff  place." 

In  the  boxmasters'  accounts  for  the  year  1640  occurs 
the  following  items  dealing  with  the  removal  of  the 
bell:— 

"Item,  for  careying  of  ane  great  cabell  tow  (rope) 
from  ye  parliament  hous  to  ye  chapell  iiijs. 

"  Item,  for  len  (loan)  of  towis  to  tak  doune  ye  bell 

xxxs. 

"Item,  given  to  ye  workmen  for  taking  doune  ye  bell 

Iiijs.  iiijd. 

"Item,  to  Alexander  Baxter,  wricht,  for  taking  doune 
of  ye  bell  v  lib.  viijs." 

2$rd  day  of  February  1641. — "  The  qlk  day  ye  Deakin 
and  haill  maisteris  considdering  yat  they  have  ane  stepill 
and  ane  bell  and  wantit  ane  knok  qlk  is  verie  necessyre 
wt  thrie  brodis  and  handis,  and  ye  glob  for  ye  chainge  of 
ye  moone.  Thairfoir  thay  appoyntit  Andro  Haliburtoun, 
blaksmyt,  Johne  Wast,  cutler,  Dauid  Broun,  saidler, 
Thomas  Broune,  younger,  and  Robert  Kennedie,  lok- 
smyts,  Samuell  Burrell,  lorimer,  Thomas  Weir,  and 
Thomas  Inglis,  peutereris,  to  meitt  wt  James  Smythe 
or  any  utheris  knokmakeris  and  to  try  what  all  will  be 
and  what  will  mainten  hir  and  yairefter  to  try  at 
nytbouris  (neighbours)  qt  they  will  gif  for  advancing 
yairof." 

In  the  accounts  for  the  year  1641  occur  the  following 
disbursements  for  the  re-erecting  of  the  bell  and  the 
fitting  up  of  the  knok  : — 

"Item,  to  Robt.  Kennedie  for  naillis  to  ye  bell      xxs. 

"  Item,  to  him  for  eiking  of  ye  stirop  bandis  to  ye 
stok  of  ye  bell  viijs. 

"  Item,  for  a  farlok  and  wadges  to  it  vs. 

"  Item,  to  ye  wricht  for  workmanschip  in  hinging  ye 
bell  vj  lib. 


240  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

"  Item,  for  towis  for  binding  of  blokis  and  tyeing 
to  of  ye  great  towis  to  ye  stok  of  ye  bell  xxs. 

"Item,  for  ane  new  tow  for  drawing  up  of  ye  bell 

vj  lib.  viijs. 

"  Item,  for  careying  of  ye  great  cabill  to  and  fra  ye 
chapell  viijs. 

"Item,  to  James  Clark  for  taking  ye  roust  of  ye 
yrone  (iron)  work  of  ye  bell  xvjs. 

"Item,  to  Robt.  Kennedie  for  ane  new  band  to  ye 
stok  of  ye  bell  xls. 

"  Item,  for  ane  quarter  hundreth  naillis  to  put  on  yt 
band  vvt  xs. 

"  Item,  for  towis  to  ye  paiss  of  ye  litill  knok  yat  was 
giftit  be  ye  Lady  Kilbabertoune  xs." 

This  gift  appears  to  have  been  in  their  possession  for 
at  least  two  years,  as  mention  is  made  of  a  sum  of  nine 
shillings  being  paid  for  "bringing  up  of  ane  knok  out  of 
ye  abay,"  which  we  take  to  be  Holyrood,  and  as  its 
arrival  came  at  a  time  when  they  were  busy  redecorating 
and  refurnishing  the  chapel,  a  new  pulpit  and  panels 
bearing  the  ten  commandments,  the  creed,  etc.,  being 
then  put  in,  the  probability  is  that  the  rehanging  of 
the  bell  and  the  wish  for  a  large  knok,  induced  them 
to  put  up  this  knok,  when,  as  the  accounts  show, 
the  knokmaker  was  in  the  town  for  the  purpose  of 
advising  them  in  the  manufacture  and  erection  of  this 
steeple  clock : — 

"  Item,  for  naillis  to  naill  up  the  same  ijs. 

"  Item,  to  James  Alisone  (q.v.),  knokmaker  in  Cowper 

(Cupar),  in  pairt  payment  of  ye  pryce  of  ye  knok  to  ye 

new  bell  xxxiij  lib.  vijs.  viijd. 

"  Item,  mair  to  him  for  his  chairges  in  ower  cuming 

to  agrie  wt  us  v  lib.  viijs." 

i$tk  day  of  May  1641. — "The  qlk  day  ye  Deacone 
reportit  yat  ye  Gray  Freir  Kirk  desyrit  yat  ye  great 
bell  mycht  be  rung  to  ye  preiching  of  ye  Grey  Freir 
Kirk,  and  yat  they  wald  gif  fourtie  pundis  zeirlie  for 
ringing  yairof.  Quhilk  report  being  considderit  be  ye 
Deacone  and  haill  maisteris  and  they  being  ryplie  and 
weill  advysit  yairwith,  assentit  to  ye  bell  ringing  upoun 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  241 

conditioun  yat  they  suld  not  be  astrictit  yairto,  hot 
duiring  yair  pleasur,  and  with  all  yat  ye  Deacone  suld 
stryve  to  get  als  meikill  for  ye  ringing  yairof  as  he 
could." 

\6th  day  of  July  1641. — "The  qlk  day  ye  Deacone 
and  haill  maisteris  appoyntis  Androw  Haliburtoune  and 
James  Mairtene  for  ye  blaksmythis,  Johne  Robesoune 
and  Thomas  Wast  for  ye  cutleris,  James  Hadden  and 
Johne  Douglas  for  ye  saidleris,  Johne  Hislope  and 
Thomas  Softlaw  for  ye  armoureris,  Samuell  and  Willm. 
Burrell  for  ye  lorimeris,  Robert  Kennedie  and  Johne 
Tweidie  for  ye  loksmythis,  Thomas  Inglis  and  Andrew 
Borthwik  for  ye  peudereris,  and  Andro  Fnilasoune  for 
ye  scheirsmythis.  To  go  throw  ye  toune  and  collect 
money  fra  goode  people  to  help  to  pay  for  ye  knok 
and  maintenance  yairof." 

iSt/i  day  of  September  1641 — 

"  Item,  debursit  of  chairges  quhand  I  went  ower  to 
Cowper  to  sie  (see)  ye  knok  for  hors  and  man  viij  lib 

"Item,  for   ane   hundreth    and   twa   pund   wecht   of 

copper  to  be  orladge  brodis  to  ye  steipill  at  xvjs.  vjd.  ye 

pund  is  iiijxxiiij  lib.  iijs. 

(four  score  and  four  pounds,  three  shillings). 

"Item,  for  ane  hundreth  bookis  of  gold  at  xvjs.  ye 
peice  is  iiijxx  lib.  (four  score  pounds)." 

gth  day  of  October  1641. — "  The  qlk  day  ye  Deacone 
and  Maisteris  appoyntis  Thomas  Inglis,  Dauid  Broun, 
James  Monteith,  wt  ye  prest.  boxmaister  to  meitt 
(meet)  wt  Robert  Tailzefoir,  painter,  and  agrie  wt  him 
for  painting  of  ye  orladge  brodis." 

\$th  day  of  October  1641. — "  The  qlk  day  ye  Deacone, 
Maisteris,  and  haill  craft,  being  convenit,  the  Deacone 
spak  and  said  to  Robert  Tailzefeir,  painter,  yat  they 
mycht  have  yair  orladge  brodis,  handis,  and  glob  all 
done  for  fourscoir  pundis,  and  gif  he  wald  (would)  not 
doe  yame  weill,  and  upoun  yat  pryce  they  wald  tak  ane 
uther.  To  ye  qlkis  was  ansrit  be  ye  said  Robert 
Tailzefeir  yat  yat  offer  was  maid  to  yame  upoun  invy 
(envy),  zit  (yet)  notwtstanding  he  wald  do  yame  him 
selff  for  ye  said  fourscoir  pundis,  bot  gif  they  fand 

Q 


242  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

him  mor  worth  efter  yat  he  had  done  his  turne  he 
desyrit  yat  he  mycht  have  libertie  to  gif  in  his  bill  to  ye 
craft  to  seik  from  yame  anything  yat  they  vvald  bestow 
upoun  him  more  for  his  paines,  gif  they  fand  yair  turne 
weill  done.  And  yane  ye  Deacone  replyit  yat  they 
wald  be  no  farther  obligat  to  him  bot  in  fourscoir  pundis, 
and  qrof  he  had  ressaint  (received)  fyve  merkis  in 
hand." 

\%th  day  of  December  1641. — "The  qlk  day  ye 
Deacone  and  Maisteris  ordenis  Samuell  Burrell  yair 
boxmaister  to  sell  yair  hous  knok  for  quhat  he  caud 
get."1 

yd  day  of  Februar  1642. — "The  qlk  day  ye  Deacone 
and  haill  Maisteris  ordenis  Samuell  Burrell,  yair  prest. 
boxmaister,  to  advance  to  Johne  Scott,  wricht,  ye  sowme 
of  ane  hundreth  merkis  in  pairt  of  payment  of  his  work 
in  ye  steipill  for  furneisching  and  building  up  of  ye  trie 
turnpyk  yairin  and  brodis  to  ye  orladges." 

i$th  day  of  Merche  1642. — "  The  qlk  day  ye  Deacone 
and  haill  Maisteris  all  in  ane  voice  ordenit  Samuell 
Burrell,  yair  boxmaister,  to  pay  ye  knokmaker  and  haill 
chairges  yat  is  debursit  yair  upoun,  and  to  agrie  wt 
Johne  Scot,  wricht,  and  utheris  quha  hes  wrocht  to 
ye  knok,  and  qt  ever  they  do  sail  be  allowit  and  payit." 

In  the  boxmaster's  accounts  for  this  year  (1642)  occur 
the  details  referred  to  in  the  preceding  minutes,  and 
as  they  are  of  special  interest  we  give  extracts  of  these 
items,  as  showing  the  care  taken  in  giving  full  accounts 
of  how  the  money  was  disbursed  : — 

"  Item,  to  ye  knokmaker  in  pairt  of  payment  of  ye 
pryce  of  ye  knok  iijxxvj  lib.  xiijs.  iiijd. 

"Item,  to  him  for  his  mertimes  fie  and  ringing  of  the 
bell  ix  lib.  xs. 

"  Item,  to  ye  wrichtis  of  drinksilver  at  ye  up-putting 
of  ye  trap  and  orladge  brodis  in  ye  steipill  at  several 
tymes  iiij  lib.  xvs. 

"  Item,  for  careyeing  of  ye  thrie  orladge  brodis  from 

1  This  is  the  knok  that  was  gifted  by  Lady  Kilbabertoun  in  1638. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  243 

Johne  Scotis  to  ye  painteris,  and  from  ye  painteris  to 
ye  chapell  xijs. 

"  Item,  for  careyeing  of  ye  paiss  and  wechtis  to  and 
frome  ye  Deacones  xijs. 

"Item,  spent  wt  James  Alisone  and  Johne  Scot, 
wricht  xxvijs. 

"  Item,  for  towis  to  ye  knok  xiijs.  iiijd. 

"Item,  unto  ye  maissounis  of  drinksilver  for  drawing 
and  making  up  of  dyellis  xxiijs. 

"  Item,  to  ye  knokmaker  in  compleit  payment  of  ye 
knok  jcxxxiij  lib.  vjs.  (£133,  6s.  Scots). 

"  Item,  mair  to  him  at  directioun  of  ye  Deacone  and 
maisteris  quhen  he  was  appoyntit  be  ye  haill  craft  for 
his  attendance  heir,  and  for  his  sones  drinksilver 

xiiij  lib.  xvijs. 

"Item,  to  Johne  Scot,  wricht,  for  making  of  ye 
trapis  and  orladge  brodis 

jciiiixxxiiij  lib.  133.  4d.  (£194,  135.  4d.  Scots). 

"Item,  to  Wm.  Scharpe  for  copper  naillis  to  ye 
thrie  brodis  xiiij  lib. 

"  Item,  for  oyll  to  ye  knok  and  bell,  and  for  ane  glas 
to  put  ye  samyne  in  xxvjs.  viijd. 

"  Item,  to  ye  painter  for  painting  and  gilting  of  ye 
thrie  orladge  brodis  wt  ye  handis  and  glob 

iiijxx  lib.  (four  score  pounds  the  contract  price). 

2nd  day  of  September  1642. — "  Item,  to  ye  knokmaker 
at  directioun  of  ye  Deacone  for  his  painis  in  cumeing 
ower  ye  watter  to  visit  ye  knok,  and  helping  of  hir 

iij  lib." 

2^rd  of  August  1644. — "  The  Deacone,  Maisteris,  and 
breitherine,  havand  considderit  the  supplicatoun  gevin 
in  be  Johne  Carmichell,  officer,  makand  mentioun  that 
quhair  he  had  keipit,  ordourit,  and  attendit  the  knok, 
and  had  nather  feis  (fee)  nor  gottin  any  thing  thairfoir, 
thir  thrie  (three)  quarteris  of  ane  zeir  last  bygane. 
And  off  the  extraordinar  paines,  and  travellis  this  tyme 
past  quhrin  he  might  have  made  benefit  be  his  craft 
giff  his  chairge  as  officer  and  utherwayes  had  sufferit 
him  to  attend  upoun  the  samen.  And  thairfoir  craving 
modificatioun  and  consideratioun  for  byganes,  and  to 


244  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

have  a  certane  fie  modefit  to  him  in  tyme  cuming  for 
keiping  and  ordouring  the  said  knok  as  the  samen 
supplicatioun  at  length  beiris.  The  Deacone,  Maisteris, 
and  breitherine  ordenit  thair  prest.  boxmaister  to  give 
and  delyver  to  the  said  Johne  Carmichell  for  his  bygane 
paines  and  travellis  for  keiping  and  ordouring  and 
attending  the  said  knok,  the  sowme  of  twentie  pundis 
Scottis.  And  als  hes  appoyntit  and  ordeanit  the  said 
Johne  ane  fie  of  twentie  pundis  zeirlie  heirefter  for 
keiping,  ordouring,  and  attending  the  knok  and  ringing 
of  the  bell.  And  that  fra  Allhallowis  next  to  cum  qlk 
sail  be  ye  said  Johne  his  entrie." 

8//z  day  of  Septembris  1647. — "The  qlk  day  the  auld 
Deacones,  Maisteris,  and  haill  hous  ordeanis  James 
Monteith,  thir  prest.  Deacone,  to  tak  doune  the  knok 
in  the  steipill  and  send  hir  away  to  Londoune,  and 
change  hir  with  ane  new  one  or  qr  (whatever)  he  sail 
think  expedient." 

This,  however,  was  not  done,  the  knok  being  next 
taken  in  hand  by  John  Milne  (q.v.),  whose  name  appears 
for  the  first  time  at  this  date.  He  attended  to  the 
keeping  of  the  clock  for  at  least  two  years  later,  and 
on  the  23rd  of  September  1648  the  following  minute 
is  given  : — 

"  The  qlk  day,  Johne  Milne,  keiper  of  the  knok, 
desyrit  some  suplie  yairfoir,  and  seeing  he  had  this 
lang  tyme  bygane  keipit  the  said  knok  they  wald  be 
plasit  (pleased)  to  suplie  his  present  necessatie,  as  the 
bill  in  its  self  at  mair  length  beiris  the  saidis  tradis 
being  ryplie  advisit  they  ordeain  thir  prest.  boxmaister, 
Thomas  Haliburtoun,  braiser,  to  give  to  him  the  sowme 
of  ten  pundis  at  aince  (once),  the  other  ten  pundis  at 
Witsonday  next  to  cum,  with  this  provisioun,  that  he 
wait  and  attend  upoun  the  said  knok  faithfullie  and 
treaulie  to  the  next  terme  of  Witsonday  1649." 

It  is  evident  that  John  Milne  was  not  able  to  keep 
the  clock  in  going  order,  and  his  name,  along  with  any 
disbursements  on  the  same,  disappears  from  the  minutes 
and  accounts.  The  clock  apparently  had  got  into  a 
very  bad  state,  and  it  was  not  till  the  year  1661  that  we 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  245 

have  any  further  mention  of  it.  It  was  then  taken  in 
hand  by  Humphrey  Milne  (q.v.),  who  was  possibly  the 
most  practical  craftsman  in  Edinburgh  at  this  date. 

2nd  of  November  1661. — "It  is  aggreid  be  the 
Deakone  and  haill  Maisteris  of  the  hous,  with  Vmphra 
Mylne,  clokmaker,  that  he  mak  the  clok  of  the  Magdallen 
Chappell  to  be  perfyte  and  rycht  confourme  to  the 
toune  clok  for  sevin  zeiris  to  cum,  for  the  sowme  of 
sevin  pund  sterling,  and  to  be  in  reddines  against  the 
first  day  of  May  next  to  cum." 

Ajh  of  May  1672. — "The  qlk  day  it  is  statute  and 
ordained  be  the  Deakone,  Maisters,  and  haill  remenant 
breitherin  of  the  Hammermen  of  Edinburgh,  that  thair 
bell  sail  not  be  rung  heirefter  for  ony  deceisit  persoune 
quhat  somevir,  except  they  legat  (bequeath)  and  leave 
somewhat  to  the  house  for  the  use  of  the  poore." 

\^th  of  November  1681. — "The  hous  recommends  to 
the  Deacon  and  Boxmaster  to  agree  with  any  person 
that  desires  the  ringing  of  the  bell  to  any  burial  and  to 
take  as  much  as  they  can  get  therefor." 

i \th  August  1688. — "Andrew  Brown,  clockmaker, 
delivered  to  the  Boxmaster  four1  rix  dollars  for  ringing 
the  bell  when  Mr  Edmund  Appley,  watchmaker  in 
London,  was  buried." 

2$rd  February  1695. — "  The  whilk  day,  in  presence  of 
the  haill  house,  the  committee  appointed  for  visiting  of 
the  clock,  and  to  speak  with  the  clockmakers  and  with 
William  Weir,  or  any  other  person,  for  making  of  a  new 
clock,  gave  in  yr  report  that  there  was  an  necessity  for 
a  new  clock,  and  that  they  had  been  speaking  with  the 
freemen  clockmakers  and  with  William  Weir  yranent, 
but  had  not  made  any  agreement  yr  anent.  The  house 
do  yairfor  nominate  the  Deacon,  Boxmaster,  George 
Dalgleish,  Patrick  Drysdaill,  William  Brown,  John 
Lethom,  and  Andrew  Dunlop,  to  be  a  committee  to 
treat  and  agree  with  any  of  the  freemen  clockmakers  for 
making  a  new  clock  to  the  Magdalene  Chapel  at  as 
reasonable  a  rate  as  they  can,  and  to  settle  and  deter- 

1  ;£n,  i2s.  Scots. 


246  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

mine  yairin  as  they  think  fit.  And  in  case  they  agree, 
impower  them  to  set  the  person  they  agree  with 
presently  to  work.  And  appoint  the  boxmaster  to  pay 
the  price  of  the  clock  in  the  way  and  manner  as  the  said 
committee  shall  ordain.  The  person  whom  they  employ 
always  finding  sufficient  caution  for  the  suffeincie  of  the 
clock." 

zgth  October  1696. — "The  house  having  heard  read 
in  their  presence  a  petition  given  in  by  Andrew  Brown, 
clockmaker,  craving  an  addition  to  the  price  he  is  to 
get  for  making  the  pendulum  clock,  they  remit  the 
consideration  thereof,  and  the  contract  betwixt  the 
Incorporation  and  him,  to  the  committee  to  be  appointed 
upon  the  tradesmen's  accompts,  and  to  report  their 
opinion  thereof  to  the  haill  house  at  the  next  meeting." 

\^th  December  1696. — "The  meeting  appoints  the 
boxmaster  to  give  Andrew  Brown's  servants  ten  shillings 
sterling  of  drink  money  for  their  pains  with  the  new 
clock." 

6th  February  1697. — "  The  house  by  plurality  of  votes 
appoints  Andrew  Brown  to  get  from  the  boxmaster  £$ 
sterling  for  making  up  the  loss  which  he  alleges  he  has 
sustained  in  making  the  new  clock,  and  appoints  him  to 
use  his  judgment  to  make  the  new  clock  strike  louder." 

2.2nd  February  1698. — "  It  is  the  committee's  opinion 
that  the  boxmaster  should  presently  employ  a  wright 
for  laying  of  some  joists  beneath  the  paies  (weights)  of 
ye  clock  for  securing  of  the  house  in  case  the  paies 
should  happen  to  fall  back." 

i  itk  September  1698. — "Paid  Andrew  Brown  for  ye 
new  clock  to  ye  Incorporation  as  per  contract  and 
discharge  £360  Scots  (£30  sterling)." 

This  contract  and  discharge  is  still  in  existence. 

\$th  February  1705. — "The  house  having  heard  the 
petition  given  in  by  Andrew  Brown  read  in  their 
presence,  craving  payment  for  keeping  of  the  clock  these 
five  years  bygane  conform  to  the  contract  betwixt  the 
Incorporation  and  him,  they  do  remit  the  consideration 
thereof  to  the  committee  to  be  appointed  :  the  box- 
master  to  pay  unto  the  said  Andrew  Brown  what  they 


THE  BELFRY  AND  CLOCK  »DjAf,\ ,' 
Magdalen  Chapel,  Edinburgh. 


[To  face  page  246. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCK  MAKERS  247 

think  fit  for  his  said  five  years'  service,  and  to  get  his 
discharge  of  the  same  which  shall  be  allowed  to  the 
boxmaster  in  his  accompts.  As  also  impowers  the  said 
committee  to  commune  with  the  said  Andrew  Brown 
anent  the  keeping  of  the  said  clock  in  time  coming  or 
not  as  they  think  fit." 

jth  April  1705. — "The  committee  having  considered 
the  reference  made  to  them  anent  Andrew  Brown,  they 
conform  to  the  said  power,  appoint  the  boxmaster  to 
pay  to  the  said  Andrew  Brown  four  pounds  sterling  in 
satisfaction  of  his  bygone  keeping  of  the  clock  for  the 
space  of  five  years  preceding,  and  to  get  his  discharge 
for  the  same.  And  they  appoint  the  boxmaster  and  his 
successors  to  pay  the  said  Andrew  Brown  nine  pounds 
Scots  for  keeping  of  the  clock,  commencing  from  the 
said  term  of  Candlemas  1705,  provided  he  keep  her 
well." 

2^th  May  1712. — "There  being  an  accompt  given 
in  by  Robert  Alexander  for  dressing  and  mending  the 
clock  of  the  Magdalen  Chapel  extending  to  £31,  45.,  by 
and  attour  his  keeping  the  clock  and  helping  it  three 
times,  being  a  year  and  a  half  which  he  does  not  state  in 
his  accompt.  It  was  put  to  the  vote  whether  or  not  he 
should  be  payed  £30  in  full  of  the  said  accompt  of  all 
that  he  could  ask  of  the  Incorporation.  And  it  was 
carried  without  a  contrair  vote  that  he  should  be  payed 
£30  as  above." 

2%tk  August  1730. — "The  committee  are  of  opinion 
that  the  caster  and  wester  dial  plates  of  the  steeple 
should  be  immediately  taken  down  and  timber  set  upon 
their  place." 

26th  September  1730. — "It  being  represented  that 
the  bell  in  the  steeple  is  in  danger  of  coming  down, 
being  loose  in  the  stock,  therefore  they  ordain  the 
Boxmaster  to  cause  rehang  the  bell  and  get  it  fixed  fast 
in  the  stock  as  soon  as  possible — and  names  James 
Wilson,  James  Edgar,  David  Hodge,  Robert  Maxwell, 
and  the  boxmaster  to  see  it  right  done." 

From  this  date  onwards  various  minutes  are  recorded 
of  repairs  to  the  clock,  which  did  duty  till  well  on  into 


248  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

the  nineteenth  century ;  but  change  of  ownership  of  the 
building,  combined  with  neglect,  soon  caused  it  to  stop, 
and  its  remains  lie  to-day  up  in  this  old  steeple,  a  mass 
of  rusty  wheels  and  pinions  silent  for  ever.  In  the 
minutes  dealing  with  the  ordering  of  the  bell  no  mention 
is  made  of  the  maker's  name,  simply  that  it  was  to  be 
"castin  in  Flanderis."  The  Committee  entrusted  with 
this  commission  appears  to  have  had  in  their  eye  one 
whose  work  was  well  known  in  Scotland,  namely, 
Michael  Burgurhuys  of  Flanders,  and  the  following 
fragmentary  list  of  bells  yet  remaining  in  Scotland 
made  by  this  man  and  his  son  is  not  without  interest : — 

"  I.  Lundie,  inscribed,  ' Michael  Bvrgerhvys  Me 
Fecit  1617.' 

"  2.  Kinnell,  inscribed,  '  Michael  Bvrgerhvys  Me 
Fecit  1624.  Soli  Deo  Gloria.' 

"  3.  Benvie,  inscribed,  '  Michael  Bvrgerhvys  M.  F. 
1631.  M.  Henrie,  Fithie.' 

"4.  Lintrathen,  inscribed,  '  Michael  Bvrgerhvys  Me 
Fecit  1632.' 

"  5.  Magdalene  Chapel,  Edinburgh,  two  inscriptions, 
'Soli  Dea  Gloria.  Michael  Bvrgerhvys  Me  Fecit  1632.' 
1  God  blis  the  Hammermen  of  Edinburgh/  with  their 
crest,  the  crown  and  hammer  on  a  shield,  on  both  sides 
of  the  bell. 

"6.  Leslie,  Aberdeen,  inscribed,'  Michael  Bvrgerhvys 
Me  Fecit  1642.' 

"7.  Maryton,  inscribed,  'Michael  Bvrgerhvys  M.  F. 
1642.  Soli  Deo  Gloria.' 

"  8.  Cramond  Parish  Church,  inscribed,  '  Michael 
Bvrgerhvys  Me  Fecit  1619.  Soli  Deo  Gloria.' 

"  9.  Farnell,  Aberdeenshire,  inscribed,  '  Johannes 
Bvrgerhvys  Me  Fecit  1662.' 

"  10.  Panbridge,  which  at  one  time  belonged  to  the 
Parish  Church  of  Arbroath,  inscribed, '  Soli  Deo  Gloria. 
Johannes  Bvrgerhvys  Me  Fecit  1664.  Timor  Domine 
Est  Principivm  Sapientiae — Proverbs  i.  7.' 

"  ii.  LifT,  Aberdeenshire,  inscribed,  'Jan  Bvrgerhvys, 
Heeft.  My.  Gegoten  1696.' 

"  12.  South  Queensferry,  'Soli  Deo  Gloria.     Michael 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  249 

Bvrgerhvys  Me  Fecit.  v  David  Jonking,  Maerchant  of 
Edenbvrge,  gifted  this  to  the  Kirk  of  the  Queen's  Ferrie. 
Cursed  be  they  that  takes  it  frae.  Anno  Domino,  1635.' 

"  13.  Aberdeen,  St  Nicholas  Church,  known  as  Auld 
Lowrie.  This  bell  was  broken  by  falling  to  the  ground 
when  the  lead-covered  steeple  was  burnt  in  1874. 
Fragments  .of  it  were  shown  at  the  Glasgow  Exhibition 
in  1911,  and  the  following  are  parts  of  the  inscriptions 
that  remain  decipherable : — Me  Fecit  Anno  Dom.  1634. 
Soli  Deo  Gloria,  Michael  Bvrgerhvys.  Depello  — 
Timorem — Defunct — Nensis — Hanc  Campana  Donavit 
n.  Ego  —  Campana  Sonitu  no — Ecce  —  Vccor  —  Anti 
Cum — Vsdemove  Campanae  Rima  Tissa.' 

"  In  Craigiebuckler  Parish  Church  is  the  following 
inscription  on  a  brass  plate  inside  chancel  of  church 
which  refers  to  the  bell  of  that  church  ; — '  Old  Lowrie 
hung  in  St  Nicholas  Steeple  1351,  and  destroyed  by 
fire  A.D.  1874.  Young  Lowrie  recast  from  metal  of  Old 
Lowrie,  A.D.  1882.' 

"  14.  Fyvie,  inscribed, '  Michael  Bvrgerhvys,  1609.' 

"  15.  Lundie,  1617. 

"  16.  Smailholm,  1647. 

"17.  Peterhead  Old  Parish  Church  inscribed,  'Soli 
Deo  Gloria,  Michael  Bvrgerhvys  Me  Fecit  1647.'" 

Doubtless  there  are  a  good  few  more,  but  the  point 
brought  out  by  this  list  is  that  the  Hammermen  were 
determined  to  have  the  best  that  at  that  period  was 
made,  and  this  choice  of  Michael  Bvrgerhvys,  probably 
the  most  renowned  in  Flanders,  was  a  costly  business 
for  them.  This  can  easily  be  seen  by  the  pathetic 
appeal  for  subscriptions,  and  after  all  their  beating  up 
they  were  obliged  to  grant  a  bond  to  one  of  their  own 
number  to  make  up  the  deficit.  The  self-denial  of 
these  old  craftsmen  does  away  with  the  absurd  story 
that  this  bell  contains  a  large  quantity  of  silver  in  the 
composition  of  its  metal,  an  assertion  that  has  been  of 
late  frequently  made. 

Having  been  at  the  trouble  to  mount  up  to  the 
belfry  of  this  old  steeple  to  inspect  the  bell,  we  were 
surprised  at  its  large  size  and  weight  (approximately  it 


250  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

weighs  about  12  or  14  cwt.),  and  splendid  preservation. 
The  inscriptions  are  as  above,  and,  barring  a  little  mark 
where  the  clapper  strikes  the  inside  of  it,  is  as  fit  to 
perform  its  useful  duty  as  when  first  made.  On  looking 
at  this  authentic  relic,  thoughts  arise  of  the  many 
occasions  on  which  it  has  been  rung.  It  has  tolled  not 
only  for  funerals,  but  for  nearly  every  pageant  that  has 
crossed  the  stage  in  those  stirring  days.  Among  the 
many  entries  about  it,  we  were  startled  by  seeing  in  the 
accounts  for  1661  the  item,  "  To  William  Campbell,  for 
ringing  of  ye  bell  the  tyme  of  Montrose's  buryal, 
£i,  45.  Scots  [25.  sterling],"  showing  the  interest  this 
solemn  funeral  caused,  and  from  the  sum  paid  for  horse 
hire,  we  learn  that  the  incorporation  attended  it  in  an 
official  manner.  Again  in  1680,  "For  ringing  ye  bell 
that  day  the  Prince  of  Orange  was  proclaimed  King, 
£2,  1 6s.  Scots  [about  45.  6d.  sterling]."  In  fact,  the 
times  this  bell  is  mentioned  are  innumerable.  The 
Hammermen  derived  a  considerable  revenue  from  it, 
and  as  the  demand  was  steady,  they  made  the  following 
minute  on  iSth  July  1684: — 

"  The  house  remands  to  the  deacon  and  boxmaster 
to  agree  with  any  person  that  desires  the  ringing  of  the 
bell  to  any  burial,  and  to  take  as  much  as  they  can 
get  therefor." 

That  they  acted  up  to  this  rule  is  pretty  clear  from 
the  difference  of  the  sums  charged,  the  payments  ranging 
from  £4  Scots  up  to  £i2t  showing  that  the  fee  depended 
very  much  on  the  status  of  the  person  wanting  its  use. 
They  fined  one  of  their  own  number  £2  Scots  for  taking 
the  liberty  of  tolling  the  bell  during  a  deacon's  funeral, 
and  this  because  he  had  no  warrant  from  the  boxmaster 
to  do  so.  Other  examples  could  be  given  all  dealing 
more  or  less  with  the  care  they  exercised  over  its 
preservation,  and  it  is  probably  to  this  cause  that  the 
Magdalen  Chapel  Bell  is  the  only  one  in  Edinburgh,  as 
before  mentioned,  that  still  does  duty  in  the  location  it 
was  originally  made  for  now  nearly  three  centuries  ago. 

MAILING,  ROBERT.     Aberdeen,  1630.     See  page  4. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  251 

MAITLAND,  JAMES.     Neilston,  1830. 

MAITLAND,  JOHN.     Cross  Loan  Street,  Calton,  Glasgow, 

1818. 

MAITLAND,  JOHN.     Church  Street,  Lochwinnoch,  1836. 
MALCOLM,  WILLIAM.     Callander,  1827-37. 
MALLOCH,   WILLIAM.      Leith    Walk,    Edinburgh,    1806. 

Clock  case  maker. 
MANNERS,  JAMES.     Church  Street,  Berwick-upon-Tweed, 

1820. 

MANSON,  ALEXANDER     Duke  Street,  Thurso,  1837. 
MANSON,  DAVID.     Dundee,  1806. 
MARSHALL,  FRANCIS  &  SON.     Edinburgh,  1816. 

"  Francis  Marshall  &  Son,  Jewellers,  No.  30  North 
Bridge  Street,  Edinburgh,  next  door  to  the  Post  Office, 
beg  to  inform  the  public  that  they  continue  their 
business  in  all  its  various  branches.  A  new  establish- 
ment in  the  jewellery  line  having  been  formed  next 
door  to  them  under  the  firm  of  James  and  Walter 
Marshall  (q.v.),  they  think  it  proper  to  inform  their  friends 
and  customers  and  the  public  that  they  have  no  con- 
nection with  that  establishment." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  Qth  April  1816. 

MARSHALL,  JAMES.     Wishaw,  1815-53. 

Succeeded  by  his  son  William,  who  died  in  1884. 
James  M'Culloch,  his  apprentice,  has  now  the  business 
on  the  site  where  it  was  first  carried  on  in  a  thatched 
house. 

MARSHALL,  JAMES  &  WALTER.     Edinburgh,  1816. 

"  Beg  leave  respectfully  to  intimate  that  they  have 
this  day  commenced  business  as  jewellers,  etc.,  in  that 
shop,  No.  30  North  Bridge  Street,  formerly  occupied  by 
the  late  Mr  Richard  Bannatine.  J.  M.  is  just  returned 
from  England,  where  he  has  secured  an  extensive  and 
elegant  stock  of  jewellery,  watches,  plated  goods,  etc.,  by 
makers  of  the  first  production." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  I4th  October  1816. 

MARSHALL,  P.     South  Queensferry,  1830-52. 

"  Among  the  tradesmen  of  the  Queensferry  there 
is  one  peculiarly  distinguished  as  '  The  Genius.'  He 
is  appropriately  enough  a  watchmaker.  Trained  to 


252  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

ingenuity  by  his  avocation,  Mr  Marshall  has  certainly 
attempted  several  extraordinary  things,  most  of  which  he 
has  brought  from  time  to  time  before  the  Royal  Scottish 
Society  of  Arts,  but  a  prophet  has  no  honour  in  his  own 
country.  One  of  these  projects  was  broached  in  1831. 
It  consisted  in  a  proposal  for  transporting  ships  by 
a  railway  across  the  Isthmus  of  Suez.  Mr  Marshall 
followed  this  up  with  his  grand  device,  *  Suggestions 
for  preventing  Collisions  of  Steamships  at  Sea,  etc.' 
For  fuller  account  of  this  celebrated  man,  see  the 
delightful  book,  Summer  Life  on  Land  and  Water  at 
South  Queensferry ,  by  W.  W.  Fyfe,  published  in  1852." 

MARSHALL,    WILLIAM.     Bellie,    Morayshire;   died    2Qth 
May  1833  in  his  85th  year. 

"  From  a  humble  station  in  life  he  rose  to  distinction 
by  the  industrious  cultivation  of  a  natural  talent, 
eventually  becoming  factor  on  the  estate  of  Alexander, 
Duke  of  Gordon,  an  office  he  held  for  many  years. 
Although  self-taught,  he  made  considerable  progress 
in  mechanics,  to  which  his  leisure  hours  were  frequently 
devoted.  Not  only  did  he  excel  as  a  first-rate  fiddler 
but  also  as  a  composer  of  national  airs  and  beautiful 
Strathspeys.  His  music  to  the  song,  '  O  a'  the  airts  the 
wind  can  blaw,'  drew  forth  from  Burns  a  complimentary 
letter.  He  was  also  an  ingenious  clockmaker,  and  a 
specimen  of  his  work  is  preserved  in  Gordon  Castle." — 
The  History  of  the  Province  of  Moray,  by  L.  Shaw 
and  J.  F.  S.  Gordon,  1882. 

MARTIN,    JOHN.  Regent    Street,    Kincardine-on-Forth, 

1836. 

MARTIN,  JOSEPH.  Kippen,  1798. 

MARTIN,  PETER.  3  Govan  Street,  Glasgow,  1840-50. 

"  Peter  Martin,  watchmaker  and  jeweller,  Glasgow, 
served  Heir  General  and  Heir  Special  to  his  father, 
Peter  Martin,  Hutchesontown,  who  died  4th  June  1846, 
in  a  tenement  and  yard,  etc.,  in  the  High  Street, 
Gorbals,  dated  23rd  November  1849.  Recorded  7th 
December  1849." — Services  of  Heirs. 

MARTIN,  ROBERT.     Glasgow  and  Grahamston,  1782-99. 

"  Lost  on  Monday  evening  last,  betwixt  the  head  of 
Stockwell  and  the  head  of  Jamaica  Street,  a  silver 
watch,  maker's  name,  Robert  Martin,  No.  184.  Whoever 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  253 

will  bring  the  said  watch  to  the  Courier  Office  will 
receive  one  guinea  reward  and  no  questions  asked." 
— Glasgow  Courier •,  i8th  April  1799. 

MARTIN,  ROBERT.    Perth,  1745. 

Robert  Martin,  watchmaker  from  Glasgow,  admitted 
a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker  in  Perth  Hammermen 
Incorporation  for  payment  of  £1$  sterling  on  ist 
January  1745. 

This  is,  in  all  probability,  the  same  individual  as 
below.  He  would  possibly  find  Perth  in  the  year  1745 
anything  but  a  suitable  town  to  commence  business 
in  as  a  stranger.  A  careful  search  of  the  Records 
of  the  Perth  Hammermen  fails  to  unearth  his  name 
again,  and  the  surmise  is  that  he  returned  to  Glasgow. 

MARTIN,  ROBERT.    Glasgow,  1764. 

MARTIN,  WILLIAM.    Glasgow,  1739. 

"That  William  Martin,  Watch  and  Clock  Maker, 
is  now  settled  at  the  Clock  and  Moving  Ball,  next  door 
to  the  Gallowgate  Bridge,  Glasgow,  where  gentlemen 
and  ladies  may  be  furnished  with  gold  and  silver 
watches,  chime  and  spring  clocks,  and  speaking  clocks, 
with  the  best  London  cases  at  the  lowest  rates." — 
Caledonian  Mercury,  loth  September  1739. 

MARTIN,-   — .     Castle-Douglas.     See  page  215. 
MASON,  JOHN.     Kelso,  1809. 

MATHERS,  GEORGE.     Errol  Street,  Peterhead,  1837. 
MATHESON,  JOHN  S.     Leith,  1880.     See  page  25. 
MATHEWSON,  ANDREW.     Kilconquhar,  Fife,  1795-1830. 

MATHEWSON,    JAMES.      Kilconquhar,     Fife.      Son     of 
above;  died   1882,  aged  69  years. 

MATHEWSON,  WILLIAM.     Kilconquhar,  Fife.     Brother  of 
Andrew;  went  to  America  about  1830. 

MATHIESON,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1774. 

Bound  apprentice  to  James  Gray,    I2th   November 
1774- 
MATHIESON,  ROBERT.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1736. 

Booked  apprentice  to  James  Nicholl,  1738. 


254  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

MATTHEWSON,  JOHN.     Anstruther,  1755. 

Among  the  Old  Charters  belonging  to  the  Burgh 
of  Crail  given  in  Fifeani,  occur  the  following  : — 

"  ist.  Discharge  by  John  Matthewson,  clocksmith  in 
Anstruther,  to  John  Oliphant,  Treasurer  of  the  Burgh 
of  Crail,  of  the  sum  of  £5,  los.  (Scots),  as  a  year's  salary 
for  keeping  the  town  clock  of  Crail,  7th  April  1755. 

"  2nd.  Discharge  by  John  Matthewson  to  the  above 
John  Oliphant  of  the  sum  of  £2  (Scots)  for  the  striking 
work  of  the  Town  Clock,  Crail." 

Though  the  surname  of  this  last  maker  is  given 
with  two  tt's,  it  is  not  unlikely  that  the  Mathewsons 
of  Kilconquhar  are  of  the  same  family. 

MAULE,  WILLIAM.     Coldstream,  1837. 
MAVER,  FRANCIS.     High  Street,  Fochabers,  1837. 

MAVINE,  DANIEL.     Edinburgh,  1681. 

Residenter    in    Edinburgh ;    booked    apprentice    to 
Paul  Romieu,  26th  August  1681. 
MAXWELL,  HENRY.     Edinburgh,  1822. 

Apprenticed  to  Robert  Bryson,  6th  May  1822. 

MAXWELL,  ROBERT.     Wigtown,  1770. 

MAXWELL,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1748. 

Son  to  Robert  Maxwell,  late  writer  in  Edinburgh; 
booked  apprentice  to  John  Dalgleish,  28th  July  1748. 

M'ADAM,1  ROBERT,  sen.     Dumfries,  1820-45. 
M'ADAM,  ROBERT,  jun.     Dumfries,  1840-67. 

M'ALPIN,  GEORGE.     Edinburgh,  1836-46. 

257  High  Street,  1836;  I  South  St  Andrew  Street, 
1846. 

M'BEAN,  JAMES.     89    Castle  Street,  Inverness,  1837. 
M'BEATH,  ALEXANDER.     Fraserburgh,  1837. 

M'BETH,    DANIEL.      69    Kirk    Street,    Calton,    Glasgow, 
1818-46. 

"On  Sunday  night  the  shop  of  Mr  M'Beth,  watch- 
maker, Kirk  Street,  Calton,  Glasgow,  was  entered  by 

1  AH  the  names  which  follow  under  this  prefix  M'  may,  in  a  number 
of  examples  of  their  work,  be  found  spelt  Mac.  It  is  a  matter  of  some 
difficulty  to  give  them  correctly. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  255 

thieves,  and  all  the  watches  on  the  windows,  amounting 
to  between  thirty-five  and  forty,  carried  away.  The 
dwelling-house  is  situated  behind  the  shop,  and  the 
thieves  had  effected  an  entrance  by  wrenching  off 
the  kitchen  window  shutter  and  passing  into  the 
premises.  As  yet  there  has  not  been  any  trace  of  the 
thieves." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  1st  January  1846. 

M'CALL,  JOHN.     Dalkeith,  1829. 

M'CALL,  JOHN.     20  Lothian  Street,  Edinburgh,  1836. 

M'CRACKEN,    WILLIAM.      22    Nelson     Street,    Glasgow, 
1841. 

M'CREDIE,  THOMAS.     George  Street,  Stranraer,  1836. 

M'DONALD,  DAVID.     Edinburgh,  1822-35. 

4  Dalrymple  Place,  1822  ;  3  East  Arthur  Place,  1835. 

M'DONALD,  DAVID.     134  Trongate,  Glasgow,  1836. 

M'DONALD,  DONALD.     Inverness,  1801. 

"  Donald  M'Donald,  son  and  successor  of  Mr  Peter 
M'Donald,  many  years  clock  and  watch  maker  in 
Inverness,  takes  this  opportunity  of  returning  his  most 
grateful  thanks  to  his  friends  and  the  public  for  the 
patronage  experienced  by  him  in  conjunction  with  his 
father  for  some  time  previous  to  his  death,  and  begs 
leave  to  inform  them  that  he  continues  to  carry  on 
the  clock  and  watch  making  business  as  usual  in  the 
shop  formerly  occupied  by  his  father  and  himself  opposite 
to  the  Hall  of  the  Northern  Meeting.  D.  M'D.  having  been 
regularly  bred  to  the  profession  with  his  father,  and 
having  also  been  employed  in  some  of  the  best  shops 
in  London,  he  flatters  himself  that  his  knowledge  and 
experience  of  the  business  will  enable  him  to  give  at 
least  some  degree  of  satisfaction  to  his  employers." 
— Edinburgh  Evening  Courant^  I2th  November  1801. 

M'DONALD,  DUNCAN.     Edinburgh,  1787. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Thomas  Leslie. 
M'DONALD,  JAMES.     28  Broad  Street,  Aberdeen,  1846. 
M'DONALD,  JOHN.     Inverness,  1779-90. 

"A  CLOCK  AND  WATCH  MAKER  WANTED. — Mr 
John  M'Donald,  lately  deceased,  followed  this  profession 
here  with  the  highest  credit  and  reputation,  and  has  left 
a  very  complete  stock  of  tools  and  a  variety  of  articles 


256  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

of  value  in  the  way  of  his  business,  which  his  heirs 
would  give  credit  to  any  person  of  good  character  that 
would  set  up  here  on  finding  security.  The  best 
recommendation  that  can  be  given  for  this  being  a 
most  excellent  station  for  such  a  business  here  is  the 
very  favourable  circumstances  in  which  he  left  his  family 
which  arose  from  his  trade  alone.  No  person  need 
expect  the  countenance  of  the  Magistrates  and  Gentler 
men  of  the  town  and  county  who  cannot  be  amply 
recommended  for  integrity  and  knowledge  of  their 
profession." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  April  1790. 

"  Died  at  Inverness,  on  the  7th  curt.,  Mr  John 
M'Donald,  watchmaker,  convener  of  the  six  incor- 
porated trades  of  Inverness."  —  Obituary  notice  in 
Edinburgh  Herald,  I7th  March  1790. 

M'DONALD,  PETER.     Inverness,   1780-1801.     See  Donald 
M'Donald,  Inverness. 

M'DONALD,  WILLIAM.     Main  Street,  Invergordon,  1836. 

M'DONALD,   WILLIAM.     20  Carnegie    Street,   Edinburgh, 
1819. 

M'DONALD,  WILLIAM.     High  Street,  Nairn,  1836. 
M'DUFF,  J.     May  bole,  Ayrshire,  1830. 
M'EWAN,  JAMES.     CriefT,  1846. 

"  Prize  of  Two  Guineas  awarded  to  James  M'Ewan, 
CriefT,  for  his  model  of  a  pendulum  with  regulating 
index  for  common  house  clock." — Royal  Scottish  Society 
of  Arts. 

"  The  bob  of  the  pendulum  is  made  in  two  halves, 
being  hollowed  in  the  centre  so  as  to  admit  a  wheel  of 
teeth  carrying  on  its  arbour  an  index  hand,  which  points 
on  a  dial  plate  in  front  of  the  bob  to  the  words  '  fast '  or 
'slow.'  The  nut  at  the  bottom  of  the  pendulum  being 
turned,  it  acts  on  the  wheel  by  a  pinion,  and  thus  any 
person  who  has  occasion  to  regulate  the  beat  of  the 
pendulum  can  see  by  the  index  hand  how  far  he  raises 
or  lowers  the  bob.  Of  course,  Mr  M'Ewan  intends  this 
merely  for  common  domestic  clocks  and  not  for  fine 
timekeepers,  whose  rate  would  be  effected  by  the  mere 
motion  of  the  index  hand  round  the  dial  plate  of  the 
bob." — Transaction  of  tJic  Roval  Scottish  Society  of  Arts, 
1846. 


CHAMBER  CLOCK. 


By  Humphrey  Mills,  Edinburgh,  1661-17 10.      The  property  of  the 
Society  of  Antiquaries  of  Scotland.     (See  p.  267.) 


FACSIMILE  OF  BRASS  FRET  ON  CHAMBER  CLOCK, 

Made  by  Humphrey  Mills,  Edinburgh. 

(See  p.  268.) 


[To  face  page  256. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  257 

M'EWAN,  JOHN.     High  Street,  Crieff,  1837. 
M'EWAN,  WILLIAM.     Auchterarder,  1840-55. 

"  William  M'Ewan,  watchmaker,  Auchterarder,  served 
Heir  Special  to  his  father,  William  M'Ewan,  merchant 
there,  in  a  tenement  of  land  in  south  side  of  the  street 
of  Auchterarder,  dated  ist  January  1855.  Recorded 
1 5th  January  1855." — Services  of  Heirs. 

M'EWEN,  WILLIAM.     Leith  Street,  Edinburgh,  1849. 
M'FARLANE,  ALEXANDER.    Perth,  1789-1808. 
M'FARLANE,  D.  &  SON.     80  Trongate,  Glasgow,  1837. 
M'FARLANE,  JAMES.     41  George  Street,  Perth,  1842. 
M'FARLANE,  PATRICK.     Glasgow,  1781. 

M'FARLANE,  PATRICK.     Perth,  1790. 

Apprenticed  to  Alexander  M'Farlane. 

M'FARLANE,  ROBERT.     Perth,  1833. 

M'FIE,  BRICE.     Sugar  House  Lane,  Greenock,  1820. 

M'GEORGE,  DAVID.     St  Andrew  Street,  Castle  Douglas, 

1837. 

M'GEORGE,  JOHN.     High  Street,  Kirkcudbright,  1836. 
M'GEORGE,  -    — .     Dumfries,  1755. 
M'GILCHRIST,  J.     Kirkintilloch,  1818. 
M'GILCHRIST,  JOHN.     Barrhead,  1830. 
M'GILL,  G.  &  W.     7  St  Mirren's  Street,  Paisley,  1820. 
M'GREGOR,  ALEXANDER.     Dunse.     See  page  107. 
M'GREGOR,  D.  W.     Glasgow,  1848. 

M'GREGOR,  FORREST.     St  Ninians,  1830-80. 
Successor  to  David  Somerville. 

M'GREGOR,    JAMES.      Edinburgh,    1825-36.      5    Register 
Street,  1825  ;  29  West  Register  Street,  1836. 

M'GREGOR,  JAMES  &  SON.     Edinburgh,  1836.    29  West 
Register  Street,  1850. 

M'GREGOR,  JOHN.     Francis  Street,  Stornoway,  1836. 
M'GREGOR,  JOHN.     Bridge  Street,  Wick,  1837. 

M'GREGOR,  JOHN.     9  Calton  Street,  Edinburgh,  1811. 

R 


258  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

M'GREGOR,  PETER.     55  South  Street,  Perth,  1840. 

M'GREGOR,  THOMAS.     Ay  ton,  1837. 

M'INNES,  NEAL.     Lochnell  Street,  Lochgilphead,  1837. 

M'INNES,  WILLIAM.     10  London  Street,  Glasgow,  1834-41. 

M'INTYRE,  JOSEPH.     High  Street,  CriefT,  1837. 

M'KAY,  ALEXANDER.     Banff,  1775. 

M'KAY,  DAVID.     Braick's  Wynd,  Arbroath,  1837. 

M'KAY,  JAMES  THOMSON.     32  Green,  Aberdeen,  1836. 

M'KENZIE,  ALEXANDER.     Edinburgh,  1787. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Robert  Aitchison,  I7th  February 
1787. 
M'KENZIE,  FRANCIS.     Edinburgh,  1753. 

Son    of    Robert    M'Kenzie,    shipmaster    in    Leith ; 
booked  apprentice  to  John  Dalgleish,  5th  May  1753. 

M'KENZIE,  KENNETH.     Edinburgh,  1737. 

Brother   to   John    M'Kenzie    of  Anlecross ;    booked 
apprentice  to  Thomas  Gordon,  6th  August  1737. 

M'KENZIE,  LEWIS.     Edinburgh,  1797. 

Bound  apprentice  to  James  Gray,  22nd  July  1797. 

M'KENZIE,  MURDOCH.     Edinburgh,  1787-94. 

Bound  apprentice  to   Brown  &  Skelton,  7th  March 
1787.     Discharged  of  his  indentures,  1st  November  1794. 

M'KENZIE,  WILLIAM.     Aberchirder,  about  1840. 
M'KERROA,  JAMES.     Ford,  Pathhead,  Dalkeith,  1836-50. 
M'KINLAY,  PETER.     11  Leith  Street,  Edinburgh,  1836. 
M'KIRDIE,  JOHN.     28  Woolmanhill,  Aberdeen,  1846. 
M'KIRDY,  HUGH.     3  Nelson  Street,  Glasgow,  1836. 
M'LACHLAN,  JOHN.    5  New  Bridge  Street,  Dumfries,  1820. 
M'LAREN,  JAMES.     Glasgow,  1779. 
M'LAREN,  L.     6  Duncan  Street,  Edinburgh,  1850. 
M'LEAN,  GEORGE.     9  Argyle  Street,  Glasgow,  1837. 
M'LENNAN,  WILLIAM.     83  Church  Street,  Inverness,  1835. 
M'LEOD,  J.  &  Co.     ii  Schoolhill,  Aberdeen,  1846. 
M'MASTER,  WILLIAM.    35  Cathcart  Street,  Greenock,  1820. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  259 

M'MILLAN,  ANDREW.     5  Arcade,  Glasgow,  1832-43. 
M'MILLAN,  JAMES.     Glasgow  Street,  Ardrossan,  1850. 
M'MILLAN,  PETER.    45  Regent  Quay,  Aberdeen,  1836. 
M'NAB,  JOHN.     Leonard  Street,  Perth,  1820. 
M'NAB,  J.  &  A.     35  George  Street,  Perth,  1837-49. 

M'NAUGHTAN,  ALEXANDER.     2  Catherine  Street,  Edin- 
burgh, 1814. 

"  Alexander  M'Naughtan,  watch  and  clock  maker, 
respectfully  intimates  that  he  has  commenced  business 
on  his  own  account  at  2  Catherine  Street,  second  shop 
below  the  Black  Bull,  with  a  neat  choice  of  Watches  and 
Clocks,  all  warranted  to  give  satisfaction.  The  greatest 
attention  paid  to  watch  and  clock  repairs." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  nth  June  1814. 

M'NAUGHTON,  DONALD.     Perth,  1768. 

Apprenticed  to  James  Young,  3Oth  May  1768. 
M'NIESH,  JOHN.     Falkirk,  1805. 
M'PHERSON,  JOHN.     High  Street,  Nairn,  1836. 

M'QUEEN,     ALEXANDER.     18    Bank    Street,    Edinburgh, 
1788-1834. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Thomas  Morgan,  Qth  December 
1788. 

"Alexander  M'Queen,  watch  and  clock  maker,  18 
Bank  Street,  Edinburgh,  late  foreman  to  Mr  Green,  begs 
to  intimate  to  his  friends  and  the  public  that  he  has 
commenced  business  on  his  own  account  in  the  above 
line.  Having  been  for  many  years  in  the  employment 
of  Mr  Green,  where  he  acquired  great  experience  in 
every  department  of  his  profession,  he  trusts  to  merit 
and  to  receive  a  share  of  public  patronage." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant^  5th  June  1834. 

M'ROBERT,  THOMAS.     Charlotte  Street,  Stranraer,  1820. 

M'SKIMMING, .     Castle-Douglas.     See  page  215. 

M' WALTER,  JAMES.     Paisley,  1784. 

"  A  few  days  ago  an  acquaintance  carried  me  to  see 
a  curious  machine  intended  for  the  discovery  of  the 
longitude  at  sea,  invented  by  James  M'Walter,  watch- 
maker, Paisley.  He  very  readily  satisfied  our  curiosity, 
and  indeed  the  machine  exceeded  all  the  description 


260  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

I  had  heard  of  it,  and  it  is  entirely  upon  a  new 
construction.  I  was  really  surprised  to  see  with  what 
regularity  and  exactness  it  performed  its  various  opera- 
tions ;  the  manner  in  which  it  showed  the  enlightened 
part  of  the  earth  and  the  length  of  day  and  night  in  all 
latitudes,  and  also  the  declination  of  the  sun  through 
the  whole  year.  The  manner  in  which  it  pointed  out 
the  longitude  seemed  to  me  very  clear  and  beyond 
dispute.  Mr  M'Walter  showed  me  also  how  this 
machine  finds  out  the  true  distance  of  any  place  lying 
east  or  west  the  one  from  the  other  exactly,  not  by 
computation  but  by  time.  He  showed  me  also  the  way 
that  this  machine  can  find  out  the  number  of  miles 
a  ship  will  sail  east  or  west  in  one  day  if  the  sun  can 
be  seen  rise  and  set  the  same  day.  Upon  the  whole 
I  think  it  is  a  complete  machine  and  one  of  the  greatest 
curiousities  I  ever  saw,  and  I  believe  every  person  that 
hath  seen  or  may  hereafter  see  it  will  say  the  same. — 
Extract  from  a  letter  from  Paisley,  I2th  January  1784, 
Caledonian  Mercury,  iQth  January  1784. 

M' WALTER,  MOSES.     Balfron,  1836. 
M'WATERS,  GEORGE.     30  Duke  Street,  Glasgow,  1836. 
M'WHINNIE,  ROBERT.     Main  Street,  Ayr,  1820-38. 
MEARNS,  ERNEST.     Banff,  1749. 

MEARNS,  JOHN.     Steps  of  Gilcomiston,  Aberdeen,   1792- 
1846. 

MELLIS,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1749. 

Son   of  John  Mellis,  burgess  in  Edinburgh,  booked 
apprentice  to  William  Nicoll,  I4th  September  1749. 

MELROSE,  JAMES.     208  Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1826. 

MELROSE, .     Nicolson  Street,  Edinburgh,  1827. 

MELVIL  OR  MELVILL,  ROBERT.     Stirling,  1736-67. 
MELVILL,  ROBERT.     Aberdeen,  1645.     See  page  5. 
MEMES,  JAMES.     Church  Street,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  1806. 
MEMESS,  JAMES     Garnock,  1730  (?). 
MEMESS,  JOHN.     Johnshaven,  I73o(?). 
MEMIS,  WILLIAM.     Aberdeen,  1787. 
MENZIES,  ROBERT.     Coupar  Angus,  1801. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  261 

MENZIES,  ROBERT.  Perth,  1804. 
MENZIES,  ROBERT.  Crieff,  1827. 
MENZIES,  ROBERT.  Alloa,  1830. 

MERCER,  HAY.     27  West  North  Street,  Aberdeen,  1837. 
MERRYLIES  OR  MERRYLEES,  CHARLES.     Watergate, 
Edinburgh,  1806;  39  Leith  Street,  1825. 

MERSON,  JAMES.     Huntly,  1837. 
METHVEN,  DAVID.     St  Andrews,  1768-73. 

ST  ANDREWS,  6th  April  1768. — "Which  day  Joshua 
Scott,  present  Deacon,  and  remnant  members  of  trade 
being  convened,  David  Methven,  Watch  and  Clock 
Maker  in  the  city,  was  admitted  and  received  into 
the  liberty  and  privileges  and  immunities  of  the 
smith  trade  as  a  watch  maker  and  clock  smith  during 
his  life  allanerlie,  who  satisfied  the  trade  for  his  dues 
of  admission  to  show  said  freedom  as  above.  He  made 
faith  as  use  is." 

Elected  Boxmaster  of  the  Incorporation  of  Hammer- 
men, St  Andrews,  1771-72. 

28///  September  1773.— "Which  day  William  Fuller, 
present  Deacon,  and  remnant  members  of  trade  being 
met,  the  Deacon  informed  the  trade  that  although 
David  Methven,  one  of  their  members,  was  on  the  tenth 
current  elected  Convener  of  the  Seven  Trades  for  this 
current  year,  by  a  considerable  number  of  legal  votes, 
yet  it  appears  from  the  conduct  of  the  Town  Council 
that  they  intend  to  oppose  the  admission  of  the  said 
David  Methven,  legally  elected  Convener,  and  to 
receive  Andrew  Finlay  who  had  but  a  few  votes,  and 
who  never  so  much  as  claimed  the  election  to  himself. 

"  Therefore  the  Deacon  proposed  to  the  trade  that 
as  the  said  David  Methven  was  the  legally  elected 
Convener,  and  in  case  the  Council  should  take  it 
upon  them  to  reject  him  and  receive  another  man, 
that  the  smith  trade,  as  having  voted  the  said  David 
Methven  to  be  Convener,  were  bound  in  duty  and 
in  defence  of  their  rights  of  election,  to  support  from 
their  funds  the  said  David  Methven's  election  in 


262  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

pursuing  or  carrying  on  the  action  before  the  Court 
of  Session  against  such  members  of  the  Town  Council 
as  shall  oppose  the  said  David  Methven's  admission  into 
the  Town  Council  as  Convener,  and  also  against  the 
said  Andrew  Finlay,  in  case  he  should  be  either 
proposed  or  defended  in  any  such  process.  All  which 
being  considered  by  the  said  trade,  and  considering  that 
every  attempt  of  the  Town  Council  to  reject  any 
Convener  or  Deacon  is  a  gross  infringment  upon  the 
priviledges  of  the  Trades  and  their  right  of  election." — 
Extracted  from  the  MSS.  Records  of  St  Andrews 
Hammermen  Incorporation^  now  deposited  and  preserved 
in  St  Mary's  College,  St  Andrews. 

MICHIE,  JAMES.     High  Street,  Brechin,  1837. 

MILLAR,  ALEXANDER.    Edinburgh,  1766-82. 

"Son  of  John  Millar,  turner  in  Edinburgh;  bound 
apprentice  to  James  Duff,  25th  March  1766.  Discharged 
of  his  indentures  2nd  May  1772.  Compeared  and 
presented  a  petition,  craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman 
23rd  November  1781.  Compeared  on  I4th  June  1782, 
and  presented  his  essay,  being  a  spring  clock,  begun, 
made,  and  finished  in  his  own  shop  in  presence  of 
Alexander  Dickie,  landlord,  Samuel  Brown,  George 
Aitken,  John  Sibbald,  jun.,  essay  masters  as  they 
declared,  etc."— E.  H.  Records. 

MILLAR,  DAVID.     Bathgate,  1790. 

MILLAR,  GEORGE.     Stewart  Street,  Carluke,  1836. 

MILLAR,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1771-84. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Turnbull  &  Aitchison,  ipth 
July  1777.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  by  Robert 
Aitchison,  8th  May  1784. 

MILLAR,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1790. 

"An  Orrery  to  be' sold  at  John  Millar's,  optician, 
Parliament  Close,  of  a  very  elegant  construction,  wherein 
the  planets  perform  their  periodical  revolutions  and  the 
earth  her  diurnal  motion,  all  moving  within  a  glass 
celestial  sphere  wherein  the  constellations  are  neatly 
delineated.  The  Orrery  is  kept  in  motion  by  a  time- 
keeper which  goes  a  month." — Edinburgh  Herald,  1st 
January  1790. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  263 

MILLAR,  PETER.    Alloa,  1798. 
MILLAR,  RICHARD.    Edinburgh,  1814-60. 

"Cpmpeared  on  3 1st  August  1814,  and  presented  a 
petition  craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman  watchmaker 
in  right  of  his  wife,  Helen,  lawful  daughter  of  the 
late  James  Clark,  clockmaker  in  Edinburgh,  which  was 
granted.  He  paid  six  pounds  as  the  first  moiety  of 
his  entry  money.  Compeared  2pth  July  1815  and 
produced  his  essay,  a  clock  movement  begun,  made, 
and  finished  in  the  presence  of  James  Clark,  as  landlord, 
and  John  Bean,  James  Paterson,  and  John  Picken, 
essay  masters,  as  they  declared.  He  was  accordingly 
admitted,  and  paid  six  pounds  as  the  second  moiety  of 
his  entry  money. — E.  H.  Records. 

In  partnership  with  Christopher  Lawson  (q.v.)  1825, 
and  on  dissolution  of  the  firm  of  Lawson  &  Millar,  issued 
the  following : — 

"  NOTICE.— Richard  Millar,  Watch  and  Clock  Manu- 
facturer, begs  leave  to  intimate  to  his  numerous  friends 
and  to  the  public  in  general,  that  in  consequence  of  a 
dissolution  of  that  trade  carried  on  by  him  and  his  late 
partner1  he  has  opened  that  shop  No.  5  North  Bridge 
near  head  of  east  side,  with  an  extensive  assortment  of 
the  finest  description  of  Gold  and  Silver  Horizontal, 
Duplex,  Lever,  and  plain  watches,  and  where  every 
exertion  in  his  power  shall  be  evinced  to  secure  a 
continuance  of  that  approbation  and  favour  so  largely 
bestowed  on  him,  both  as  a  partner  in  that  concern  and 
also  for  years  previous,  when  in  business  on  his  own 
account. — Orders  from  the  country  punctually  attended 
to.  Good  Clock  Makers  will  meet  with  constant  employ- 
ment and  the  best  encouragement." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  23rd  June  1825. 

"  TEN  GUINEAS  REWARD.— Lost  on  Tuesday  night 
the  7th  instant,  a  Gold  repeating  musical  watch,  gold 
face  with  a  figure  of  a  car  drawn  by  a  lion,  with  the 
initials  P.M.  on  back,  maker's  name,  Hry.  Capt,  a  Geneve, 
Number  on  case  bottom  483,  with  gold  chain,  two  gold 
seals,  with  arms  and  initials.  Any  person  returning  the 
same  to  Mr  Millar,  watchmaker,  No.  5  or  at  No.  14  North 

1  C.  Lawson  (c|.v.) 


264  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

Bridge,  shall  receive  the  above  reward  of  ten  guineas."- 
Ibid.,  4th  March  1826. 

"ATTEMPT  AT  HOUSEBREAKING. — About  three 
o'clock  yesterday  morning  the  watchman  on  the 
North  Bridge  heard  a  strange  noise  below  the  shop 
of  Mr  Millar,  watchmaker,  and  going  down  the  adjoin- 
ing common  stair,  he  discovered  that  a  strong  double 
panelled  door  leading  into  a  cellar  below  the  shop  had 
been  forced  open.  The  watchman  pursuing  his  search 
entered  into  the  cellar,  and  came  upon  a  stout  young 
fellow  attempting  with  a  crowbar  to  force  up  the  hatch 
communicating  between  the  cellar  and  the  shop.  He 
was  immediately  taken  into  custody,  and  his  case  being 
remitted  to  the  Magistrates.  It  appears  that  he  had 
broken  open  the  door  of  the  cellar  with  the  crowbar,  and 
there  can  be  no  doubt  that  but  for  the  timely  discovery 
by  the  watchman  the  fellow  would  have  eventually 
succeeded  in  forcing  up  the  hatch  and  gaining  an 
entrance  into  the  shop.  We  understand  that  he  is 
quite  a  stranger  to  the  police,  and  describes  himself 
to  have  come  from  Lanark." — Ibid.,  nth  June  1835. 
Richard  Millar  died  3ist  March  1860,  aged  69  years. 

MILLAR,  ROBERT.  14  North  Bridge,  Edinburgh,  1826-38. 
MILLAR,  R.  &  SON.  44  North  Bridge,  Edinburgh,  1850. 
MILLER,  ALEXANDER.  Methven  Street,  Perth,  1820. 

MILLER,    ALEXANDER.       Montrose,     1798;     died     26th 
September  1808. 

MILLER,  ARCHIBALD.     Castle-Douglas.     See  page  215. 
MILLER,  ARCHIBALD.     Glasgow,  1781. 

MILLER,     ARCHIBALD.       High      Street,      Kirkcudbright, 

1820. 
MILLER,   ARCHIBALD   &  WILLIAM.    99   Graham   Street, 

Airdrie,  1835. 

MILLER,     ANDREW.       5    West    Nicolson    Street,    Edin- 
burgh, 1827. 

Acquired  Robert  Logic's  (q.v.)  business  at  above 
address  about  1827.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  who 
carried  it  on  till  his  death  in  1903.  The  business  was 
then  carried  on  by  another  watchmaker,  thus  continuing 
one  of  the  oldest  establishments  in  Edinburgh, 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKRRS  2G5 

MILLER,  GEORGE.     Perth,  1811. 

"  On  the  3rd  January  curt,  the  shop  of  Mr  George 
Miller,  George  Street,  Perth,  was  broke  into  and 
jewellery,  watches,  snuffboxes,  and  gold  seals  to  the 
amount  of  £200  were  stolen  therefrom.  The  maker's 
name  on  two  of  the  watches  is  George  Miller,  Perth, 
Nos.  171  and  80." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant^  7th 
January  1811. 

MILLER,  JAMES.     West  Quay,  Port  Glasgow,  1820-38. 

"  Christian  Buchanan  or  Miller,  wife  of  J.  Miller, 
watchmaker,  Port  Glasgow,  served  Heir  Portr.  General 
to  her  grandfather,  Andrew  Young,  Cooper,  Falkirk, 
dated  i8th  October  1825.  Recorded  25th  October 
1825." — Services  of  Heirs. 

MILLER,  JAMES.     Stormont  Street,  Perth,  1848. 

MILLER,  JAMES.    Alloa,  1768. 

Maker  of  the  clock  in  the  old  steeple  in  Alloa 
Churchyard. 

MILLER,  JAMES.    41  George  Street,  Perth,  1845. 

"At  a  meeting  of  the  Society  of  Arts  held  in 
Edinburgh,  23rd  January  1845,  there  were  read 
descriptions  of  the  following  inventions  by  Mr  James 
Miller : — 1st.  A  telegraph ;  2nd.  An  atmospheric  rail- 
way ;  3rd.  A  conical  pivot  for  locomotive  carriage  axles 
in  two  parts ;  4th.  A  substitute  for  bells  and  bell 
wires  and  cranks  when  laid  under  ground ;  5th.  On  a 
substitute  for  railway  bridges. 

Mr  Miller  submits,  that  in  small  bridges  for  railways 
there  is  too  great  a  rigidity  when  built  of  stone  or  brick, 
and  that  they  are  liable  to  be  destroyed  by  their  want 
of  elasticity  and  their  not  yielding  to  the  vibration  of 
the  train,  and  he  suggests  that  they  should  be  made  of 
strong  rings  of  iron  upon  which  longitudinal  iron  bars 
should  be  riveted,  somewhat  in  the  form  of  a  cooper's 
chaffer.  They  could  be  made  at  a  distance  in  pieces 
and  carried  to  the  spot  and  then  bolted  together. 
Thanks  voted  by  the  meeting  for  the  paper." 

"  Silver  medal,  value  £3,  awarded  by  the  Society  of 
Arts  to  Mr  James  Miller,  Perth,  for  his  model  and 
description  of  a  new  self-acting  method  of  throwing  the 
shuttle  in  the  common  hand  loom,  23rd  February  1846. 
In  this  model  an  improvement  is  introduced,  calculated 


2GG  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

in  Mr  Miller's  opinion  to  prevent  the  recoil  of  the 
shuttle,  viz.,  by  interposing  a  driver  as  in  the  common 
loom.  He  has  also  made  simple  arrangements,  by 
which  the  strength  of  the  driving  springs  may  be 
tempered  or  increased  at  pleasure." 

MILLER,  JOHN.     Kirk  Wynd,  Selkirk,  1836. 

MILLER,  ROBERT.     New  Row,  Perth,  1841. 

MILLER,  WILLIAM.     178   St    Nicholas   Street,  Aberdeen, 
1846. 

MILLIGAN,  ANDREW.     Ayr,  1801. 

"Ann  Adamson  or  Milligan,  wife  of  Andrew 
Milligan,  watchmaker  in  Ayr,  served  Heir  General  to 
her  father,  Thomas  Adamsonj  feuar  in  Creetown, 
dated  24th  April  1801.  Recorded  2nd  May  1801." — 
Services  of  Heirs. 

MILLIGAN,   ANDREW,  Watch   Case   Maker.     Edinburgh, 
1781-1810. 

Married  Susan  Richardson,  daughter  of  the  deceased 
John  Richardson,  smith  in  Edinburgh,  2nd  September 
1781. 

2$rd  November  1781. — "Compeared  and  presented 
a  petition  to  be  admitted  freeman  in  right  of  his  wife." 

4^/5  May  1782. — "Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  watch  case,  begun,  made,  and  finished 
in  his  own  shop,  in  presence  of  Robert  Clidsdale, 
landlord,  Normond  Macpherson,  James  Howden,  and 
Thomas  Sibbald,  essay  masters,  as  they  declared,  which 
was  found  a  well  wrought  essay,  etc.,  and  was  accordingly 
admitted." — E.  H.  Records. 

"  A  silver  watch  lost  on  Friday,  23rd  curt.,  between 
Edinburgh  and  Dalkeith,  maker's  name  Jaspar  Tayler, 
Holborn,  London,  No.  573.  Whoever  has  found  it  will 
be  handsomely  rewarded  on  delivering  it  to  Mr  John 
Rule,  watchmaker,  Kelso,  or  Andrew  Milligan,  watch 
case  maker,  Parliament  Close,  Edinburgh." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant^  2Qth  September  1791. 
MILLIGAN,  ANDREW,  jun.  Watch  Case  Maker,  Milne's 
Court,  Edinburgh,  1811. 

"  Andrew  Milligan,  son  of  the  late  Mr  A.  Milligan, 
watch  case  maker,  returns  sincere  thanks  to  the  friends 
of  his  father,  and  the  public  in  general,  for  the  liberal 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  267 

support  he  met  with  in  that  line  during  a  period  of 
more  than  forty  years;  respectfully  informs  them  that 
he  intends  to  carry  on  the  business  on  his  own  account, 
and  hopes  by  unremitting  attention  to  merit  a  con- 
tinuance of  their  favour/' — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant, 
5th  October  1811. 

MILNE,  ALEXANDER.     North  Street,  Aberdeen,  1820-37. 
MILNE,  GEORGE.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1725-54. 

Married  Margaret  Sibbald,  relict  of  William  Burgess, 
gunsmith  in  Bristo,  6th  February  1725. 

"  Lost  betwixt  Linlithgow  and  Falkirk  on  Wednesday, 
the  3rd  inst,  a  silver  watch,  maker's  name  Jackson, 
London,  No.  282.  Whoever  gives  notice  thereof  to 
George  Milne,  watchmaker  in  Canongate,  shall  be 
sufficiently  rewarded.  N.B. — There  is  a  scratch  on  the 
Bissel  betwixt  the  place  where  the  pendant  comes 
through  and  the  joint." — Caledonian  Mercury -,  8th  October 
1750. 

MILNE,     GEORGE.      29     Mealmarket     Lane,     Aberdeen, 
1846. 

MILNE,  GIDEON.     Edinburgh,  1676. 

Apprenticed  to  Humphrey  Milne,  1 2th  January  1676. 

MILNE,    HUMPHREY,    or    UMPHRA    MILLS.      Edinburgh, 
1660-92. 

Supposed  to  have  been  admitted  a  freeman  of  the 
Edinburgh  Hammermen  in  the  year  1660 — the  leaf  in 
records  of  that  date  having  either  been  lost  or  stolen. 
An  Act  was  passed  in  his  favour  in  the  year  1687, 
declaring  the  want  of  this  leaf  and  their  restoring  to  him 
all  the  priviledges  of  the  Incorporation.  To  which  part 
of  the  country  he  belonged  we  cannot  definitely  state 
but  in  all  probability  he  was  an  Englishman.  This 
surmise  is  strengthened  by  the  unusual  name,  Humphrey 
and  the  fact  that  Richard  Mills  (q.v.),  who  succeeded 
him,  was  of  that  nationality.  Be  that  as  it  may,  what 
has  come  down  of  his  handiwork  bears  testimony  that 
he  was  master  of  his  craft.  We  have  only  succeeded 
in  locating  where  four  of  his  clocks  are  to  be  found. 
One  a  fine  specimen  in  the  Museum  of  the  Society  of 
Antiquaries,  Queen  Street,  Edinburgh ;  the  other  the 


2G8  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

property  of  Quintain  Galbraith,  Esq.,  Helensburgh,  who 
kindly  supplies  the  following  information  : — 

"  I  have  an  old  brass  clock  having  four  brass  pillars 
forming  a  square,  or  rather  an  oblong,  surmounted  by 
a  dome  formed  by  the  bell,  the  brass-engraved  dial  on 
one  of  the  squares  forms  the  front,  and  it  has  a  saw- 
pierced  ornament  above  the  dial.  The  corresponding 
ornaments  on  the  two  sides  are  evidently  castings  taken 
from  the  front  one,  apparently  of  a  later  date  and 
coarsely  finished.  The  pinions  of  the  driving  wheels 
are  just  four  pins  cut  out  of  the  end  of  the  spindle,  the 
rack  on  the  pulleys  of  the  driving  wheels  being  primitive, 
just  a  semi-circular  spring  that  catches  on  to  the  four 
spokes  of  the  driving-wheel.  The  fly  of  the  fly-wheel 
is  solid  brass,  about  three-thirty  seconds  of  an  inch 
thick.  The  bell  is  5j  inches  in  diameter,  domed  2-f 
inches.  The  head  of  the  hammer  weighs  ij  ounces, 
and  is  a  nice  bit  of  forging.  Some  of  the  small  screw 
nails  have  square  heads  and  are  hand-made.  The  whole 
clock  is  about  12  inches  high  by  6|  inches 
square,  goes  eight  days,  has  ropes  and  weights,  and 
a  39-inch  pendulum.  It  has  only  the  hour  hand,  there 
being  no  provision  for  two,  the  iron  hand  forged,  parts 
incised,  and  ornamental  in  shape.  The  name,  Humphry 
Mills,  being  engraved  on  the  plain  part  of  the  fretted 
brass  ornament  above  the  dial." l 

A  third  example,  now  the  property  of  the  Rev. 
Alex.  T.  Bell,  Dundee,  was  discovered  there  in  1910, 
and,  strange  to  say,  in  going  order.  The  fourth  and 
most  unique  is  now  in  the  possession  of  William  B. 
Smith,  Esq.,  1 18  Queen  Street,  Glasgow,  which  was  shown 
at  the  Glasgow  Exhibition  of  1911.  A  reference  to  the 
illustration  facing  page  268  shows  its  uniqueness,  as  the 
case  (which  is  of  oak)  into  which  it  is  fixed  has  probably 
no  equal  in  Scotland.  Although  there  are  plenty  of 
long  case  clocks  made  by  English  makers  contemporary 

1  A  facsimile  of  this  fret  is  given  opposite  page  256,  and  it  is  worth 
noting  that,  in  all  the  four  specimens  mentioned,  the  frets  are  of 
the  same  design,  which  would  imply  that  this  was  his  favourite  pattern. 


LANTEKN  OR  CHAMBER  c£t>cK, 

In  unique  oak  case,  by  Humphrey  Milne, or  \£i]fsj 
1660-92.      Shown    at    Glasgow     Histon*al-    Exhibition/ 
The  property  of  William  B.  Smith,  Esq.,  Glasgow. 


[To  face  page  268. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  269 

with  Humphrey  Mills,  few  have  the  decorative  treatment 
displayed  in  such  a  characteristic  manner  as  this  one 
has.  It  must  be  regarded  as  one  of  the  first  attempts 
in  Scotland  to  break  away  from  the  orthodox  make. 
We  understand  that  this  clock  case  is  of  the  same 
design  as  a  carved  oak  pulpit  in  the  Parish  Church  of 
Fenwick,  near  Kilmarnock,  which  was  erected  between 
1736  and  1760.  This  suggests  that  the  clock  was  highly 
valued  by  its  owner,  who,  long  after  Mills  died,  thought 
so  much  of  it  that  he  provided  this  beautiful  case  for  it. 

Further  information  about  this  maker  will  be  found 
in  the  notes  on  the  Magdalen  Chapel  Clock  and  Bell, 
page  235,  and,  supplementing  what  is  given  there,  it 
would  appear  from  an  inspection  of  the  MSS.  Records 
of  the  Hammermen  of  Edinburgh  that  he  was  a  wealthy 
man,  as  there  are  several  .entries  relating  to  sums  of 
money  being  borrowed  from  him,  which  shows  his 
willingness  to  help  them.  They,  in  return  for  his 
kindness,  elected  him  to  the  highest  honour  they  could 
give  him,  namely,  Deacon  of  the  Incorporation.  He 
died  about  the  year  1622,  having  been  over  thirty  years 
in  business.  An  interesting  sidelight  is  given  in  that 
valuable  work,  Services  of  Heirs,  where  we  are  informed 
that  "  Ester  Ross  or  King,  in  Kirkcaldie,  is  served 
Co-Heir  of  Provision  General  to  her  grandmother,  Jean 
Mathie,  widow  of  Humphry  Mills,  watchmaker,  Craig- 
wells,  dated  i8th  June  1725." 

MILNE,  JAMES.    St  Ninian's,  1761-84. 

MILNE,    JOHN.       Edinburgh,     1647-50.       See    note     on 
Magdalen  Chapel  Clock  and  Bell,  page  235. 

MILNE,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1753. 
MILNE,  JOSEPH.     Huntly,  1797. 

MILNE,  RICHARD,  or  MILLS.     Edinburgh,  1661-1710. 

AT  THE  MAGDALEN  CHAPEL,  22nd  July  1661. — 
"  The  quilk  day  Richard  Mylne,  son  lawful  to  Thomas 
Mylne,  in  the  county  of  Stafford,  is  booked  apprentice 
to  Umphra  Mylne,  clockmaker,  burgess  of  Edinburgh, 
conforme  to  the  indenture  passed  between  them." 


270  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

$th  September  1678. — "Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  viz.,  ane  clock  watch  and  luminary,  and  ane  lock 
and  key.  His  essay  masters  were  John  Alexander  and 
James  Foulis,  his  essay  was  made  in  his  own  shop, 
which  was  found  a  well-wrought  essay,  etc. 

2nd  May  1696. — "The  House  unanimously  quits 
Richard  Mylls  his  two  shillings  and  sixpence  sterling, 
that  he  is  resting  for  being  absent  from  meetings 
preceding  this  date,  for  certain  good  and  onerous  causes 
known  to  '  yair  selvis.'  " 

nth  September  1703. — "Elected  boxmaster  or 
Treasurer  to  the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen  of 
Edinburgh." 

2$th  September  1703. — "The  'whilk'  day,  in  presence 
of  the  haill  house,  Richard  Mills,  who  was  lately  chosen 
boxmaster,  having  appeared  before  the  Incorporation, 
declares  he  was  very  sorry  that  he  was  not  able  to 
officiate  as  boxmaster  by  reason  of  his  old  age,  weakness, 
and  inability  of  body,  and  therefor  entreated  the 
Incorporation  to  excuse  him,  and  he  should  be  very 
willing  to  give  Fifty  pounds  presently  to  the  succeeding 
boxmaster  for  the  use  of  the  poor. 

"  Which  representation  and  desire  of  Richard  Mills 
being  taken  into  consideration  by  the  haill  house,  they 
do  thereby  excuse  the  said  Richard  Mills  from  being 
boxmaster  because  of  his  inability  and  weakness  as  said 
is.  And  declare  him  free  of  the  foresaid  Act  whereby  he 
was  chosen  boxmaster ;  he  paying  in  the  foresaid  Fifty 
pounds  to  the  succeeding  boxmaster  so  soon  as  he  shall 
call  for  the  same.  But  the  Incorporation  do  hereby 
declare  that  whatsomever  freeman  of  the  house  who 
shall  hereafter  refuse  to  accept  thereof  shall  be  liable 
in  the  sum  of  one  hundred  pounds  Scots  without 
defalcation." 

i^th  February  1705. — "The  house,  for  certain  con- 
siderations moving  them,  do  quit  and  free  Richard  Mills, 
ten  pound  of  the  Fifty  pound  Scots  that  he  was 
appointed  to  pay  for  refusing  to  be  boxmaster,  notwith- 
standing of  the  former  Act  against  him  for  Fifty 
pounds." — E.  H.  Records. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKEKS  271 

The  only  other  contemporary  notice  of  Richard  Mills 
which  we  have  been  enabled  to  glean  occurs  in  a  number 
of  one  of  our  earliest  Scots  newspapers,  viz.,  The 
Edinburgh  Gazette  for  the  year  1699  : — 

"  Stolen  out  of  a  house  near  the  West  Port  on  the 
1 9th,  a  gold  watch  with  a  steel  chain  and  a  shagreen 
case.  Whoever  can  bring  the  said  watch  to  Richard 
Mills,  watchmaker  in  Edinburgh,  shall  have  two  guineas 
reward." 

Richard  Mills  died  about  the  close  of  the  year  1710, 
which  is  brought  out  in  the  minute  dealing  with  his  last 
booked  apprentice,  John  Wilson  (q.v.),  but,  strange  to 
say,  no  particulars  of  any  clock  bearing  his  name  has 
reached  us.  A  correspondent  in  the  Weekly  Scotsman 
supplies  the  following  information  : — "  I  have  a  recollec- 
tion of  seeing  a  clock  bearing  his  name  and  the  date 
1710.  In  any  case  he  had  in  1698  a  charter  from  the 
town  of  a  tenement  in  the  Canongate  on  the  east  side  of 
Leith  Wynd.  The  writ  confirmed  to  him  as  Richard 
Mills,  clockmaker,  burgess  of  Edinburgh,  and  to  Esther 
Mills  (perhaps  his  sister),  spouse  of  Robert  Carstairs, 
W.S.,  the  tenement  in  question,  which  had  been  granted 
to  Richard  and  Esther  in  1693  by  Humphrey  Mills, 
clockmaker  at  the  Craigwell,  etc." 

This  interesting  note,  read  in  conjunction  with  the 
last  given  in  the  notes  on  Humphrey  Mills,  reveals  the 
close  relationship  of  these  two  men,  namely,  uncle  and 
nephew. 

MILNE,  ROBERT.     Queen  Street,  Aberdeen,  1821. 
MILNE,  ROBERT.     50  High  Street,  Montrose,  1837. 
MILNE,  THOMAS.     Huntly,  1780. 
MILNE,  WILLIAM.     Dunfermline,  1842. 

MITCHELL,  ALEXANDER.     Gorbals,  Glasgow,  1798. 

"  Stolen  from  a  house  in  the  neighbourhood  of 
Pollokshaws,  a  capt.  silver  watch,  name  Alexander 
Mitchell  &  Son,  Glasgow,  No.  257.  Any  person  bringing 
the  same  to  Alexander  Mitchell,  Gorbals,  will  receive 
one  guinea  reward." — Glasgow  Chronicle^  2 1st  June  1798. 

MITCHELL,     ALEXANDER.        Glasgow,     1822-47.       See 
Alexander  Mitchell  £  Son,  Gorbals. 


272  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

MITCHELL,    ALEXANDER    &    SON.      Gorbals,    and     10 
Gallowgate  Street,  Glasgow,  1798-1837. 

"  Alexander  Mitchell  &  Son,  sensible  of  the  very 
liberal  share  of  employment  they  have  long  received 
from  their  friends  and  public,  beg  leave  to  return  them 
their  sincere  thanks,  and  to  inform  them  in  addition  to 
the  shop  in  Gorbals  where  the  business  is  still  carried 
on,  William  Mitchell  has  opened  the  shop,  No.  10 
Gallowgate  Street,  Glasgow,  where  he  has  laid  in  an 
assortment  of  Gold,  Silver,  and  Metal  Horizontal  seconds, 
day,  month,  hunting  cap'd,  jewelled,  and  plain  watches. 
Clocks  and  Cases,  Time  Pieces,  Gold,  Silver,  Gilt  and 
Steel  Chains,  Seals  and  Keys,  Silk  Strings,  Pebble  Seals, 
Gold  Rings,  Silver  Plate,  etc.  W.  M.  most  respectfully 
informs  the  trade  that  he  has  a  stock  of  Watch  and 
Clock  Tools  and  Materials  consisting  of  Clock  brass  and 
steel  work,  Dials,  Weights,  Bells,  Hands,  etc.,  Watch 
springs,  Dials  to  suit,  with  or  without  brass  edges, 
finished  wheels  and  pinions,  fine  oil,  best  Lancashire  and 
Sheffield  files,  with  most  of  the  articles  necessary  in  the 
business,  which  have  all  been  purchased  from  the  best 
makers,  and  will  be  sold  on  the  most  moderate  terms. 
No  exertion  will  be  wanting  to  render  the  assortment 
still  more  complete.  Orders  carefully  and  expeditiously 
answered." — Glasgow  Courier,  1 2th  July  1798. 

"  GOLD  WATCH  LOST.— There  was  dropped  in 
Glasgow  on  Tuesday  last,  a  gold  watch,  caped  and 
jewelled,  horizontal  watch,  No.  1791,  with  gold  chain 
and  seal.  Whoever  will  bring  it  to  William  Mitchell, 
watchmaker,  Gallowgate,  shall  receive  two  guineas 
reward." — Ibid.,  22nd  January  1801. 

"  Patent  granted  unto  William  Mitchell  of  Glasgow, 
watchmaker,  and  John  Lawton,  King  Street,  Snowhill, 
London,  manufacturer,  for  their  improved  lock  and  key 
applicable  to  various  purposes,  7th  March  1815. 

"Alexander  Mitchell,  Clockmaker  and  Jeweller, 
served  Heir  General  to  his  father,  William  Mitchell, 
Clockmaker  and  Jeweller,  dated  I3th  December  1837. 
Recorded  5th  January  1838." — Services  of  Heirs. 

MITCHELL,  JAMES.     Saltcoats,  1810. 

MITCHELL,    JOHN    &    WILLIAM.      80    Argyle    Street, 
Glasgow,  1836. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  273 

MITCHELL,  WALTER.     Edinburgh,  1749. 

Son  of  John  Mitchell,  mariner  ;  booked  apprentice  to 
James  Geddes,  I3th  November  1749. 

MITCHELL,  WILLIAM.   St  Nicholas  Street,  Aberdeen,  1820. 

MITCHELL,  WILLIAM.  Gallowgate,  Glasgow,  1798-1838. 
See  A.  Mitchell  &  Son,  Gorbals. 

MITCHELL,  BISHOP,  of  Aberdeen,  who  was  deposed  of 
office  in  1638,  but  afterwards  reinstated,  during  his  exile 
in  Holland  made  a  livelihood  as  a  clock  and  watch  maker. 
Was  a  native  of  Garvock. 

MITCHELL  &  RUSSELL.     Glasgow,  1803-41. 

"  A  gold  watch  lost  on  Wednesday  afternoon  on  the 
road  from  Kilwinning  to  Glasgow,  by  Irvine  and 
Stewarton,  double-cased,  with  a  figured  dial,  to  which 
was  suspended,  by  a  black  and  yellow  ribbon,  a  gold 
seal  with  a  Shakespeare  head  on  it,  and  a  gold  key. 
Those  who  will  bring  the  said  watch  to  Mitchell  and 
Russell,  watchmakers,  Glasgow,  will  receive  two  guineas 
reward." — Glasgow  Courier,  24th  January  1803. 

"  Lost,  a  jewelled  cased  gold  watch,  with  a  gold  chain 
and  gilt  key,  no  name  or  number.  If  found,  apply  to 
Mitchell  &  Russell,  watchmakers,  who,  upon  receiving  it, 
will  give  a  reward  of  one  guinea." — Ibid.,  26th  March 
1805. 

"  TURRET  OR  STEEPLE  CLOCKS. — Mitchell  &  Russell, 
Clockmakers,  etc.,  have  just  now  for  sale  two  second- 
hand steeple  clocks,  of  the  largest  size,  which,  being 
thoroughly  repaired,  are  little  inferior  to  new  ones,  and 
at  prices  less  than  half  their  original  cost. 

"  M.  &  R.  manufacture  every  variety  of  clocks  for 
church  and  other  towers.  They  have  also  a  superior 
method  of  illuminating  the  dials  of  public  clocks,  which, 
considering  the  advantage  obtained,  can  be  done  at 
a  comparatively  small  expense,  2  Argyll  Street, 
Glasgow." — The  Witness,  2Oth  May  1840. 

MITCHELSON,  ALEXANDER.    Edinburgh,  1752-61. 

"  Son  of  James  Mitchelson  of  Garcropper,  in  the 
Shire  of  Galloway  ;  booked  apprentice  to  William  Nicol, 
8th  February  1752.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  I4th 
November  1761." — E.  H.  Records. 

S 


274  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

MITCHELSON,  JAMES.     Edinburgh;  died  1755. 

MITCHELSON,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1749-56. 

"  Late  apprentice  to  James  Geddes,  clock  and  watch 
maker,  deceased  ;  transferred  by  the  Incorporation  to 
Robert  Clidsdale,  for  the  space  yet  to  run  of  his 
indentures,  I  ith  May  1756.  Discharged  of  his  indentures 
2oth  December  1756." — E,  H.  Records. 

MOFFAT,  ALEXANDER.     Musselburgh,  1790-1831. 

MOFFAT,  JAMES.    Son  of  above.    7  High  Street,  Fisherrow, 
Musselburgh,  1831. 

"James  Moffat  in  Musselburgh,  served  Heir  in 
General  to  his  father,  Alexander  Moffat,  watchmaker 
there,  dated  1st  March  1831.  Recorded  pth  March 
1 83 1 ." — Services  of  Heirs. 

MOLLISON,  CHARLES.     Edinburgh,  1770-87. 

"  Bound  apprentice  to  Turnbull  &  Aitchison,  6th 
April  1770.  Discharged  of  his  indentures,  3rd  May 
1777.  Presented  a  petition  craving  to  be  admitted 
freeman  2pth  January  1785.  Compeared  on  I2th 
November  1785,  and  produced  his  essay,  being  a  plain 
watch  movement  made  in  his  own  shop  in  presence 
of  Robert  Aitchison,  landlord,  Laurence  Dalgleish,  and 
William  White,  essay  masters,  as  they  declared,  etc." — 
E.  H.  Records. 

"  A  WATCH  LOST. — That  about  the  beginning  of 
November  last,  there  was  lost  upon  the  Gallawater  Road 
a  silver  watch,  maker,  as  far  as  the  owner  remembers, 
John  Martin,  London,  No.  804  or  408.  The  watch  had 
an  inner  case  and  a  shagreen  outer  case,  very  much 
worn.  Whoever  will  deliver  the  said  watch  to  Mr 
Charles  Mollison,  watchmaker  in  the  Lawnmarket,  shall 
receive  one  guinea  of  a  reward." — Caledonian  Mercury ', 
nth  January  1787. 

MONRO,  GEORGE.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1743-1804. 

Married  Mary  Alexander,  daughter  to  the  deceased 
James  Alexander,  distiller  in  Stirling,  I5th  December 

I757- 

Was  admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker 
in  Canongate  Hammermen  28th  November  1750.  Not 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  275 

only  was  he  a  most  capable  craftsman,  but  also  one 
of  the  most  enterprising  tradesmen  in  Edinburgh.  This 
will  be  best  seen  by  the  following  selection  of  advertise- 
ments which  he  issued  in  the  local  newspapers,  and  will 
show  the  methods  he  adopted  to  build  up  one  of  the 
most  extensive  businesses  in  Edinburgh.  Probably  there 
was  not  a  craftsman  in  the  city  during  the  latter  half  of 
the  eighteenth  century  who  advertised  so  largely,  the 
result  being  that  the  name  of  George  Monro  and  his 
productions  were  known  all  over  the  country,  especially 
north  of  the  Forth. 

His  success,  however,  did  not  please  the  members 
of  the  Incorporation  of  Edinburgh  Hammermen,  which 
the  following  minute,  dated  1755,  brings  out: — 

"  George  Moriro,  watchmaker,  having  applied  to  this 
house  by  his  missive  letter  dated  8th  February  I755» 
directed  to  Deacon  Armstrong,  setting  forth  that  he 
had  spoke  to  him  last  year,  concerning  his  inclination  to 
remove  from  the  north  side  to  the  south  side  of  the 
Canongate,  where  he  apprehended  he  could  have  a 
house  somewhat  more  convenient  than  he  had  at  present 
on  the  north  side.  That  he  proposed  to  do  so  in  hopes 
that  this  Incorporation  would  allow  it  upon  a  small 
yearly  payment  to  them.  That  last  year,  having  found 
it  necessary  to  continue  a  year  longer  in  his  present 
possession,  there  was  no  further  use  insisting  on  it, 
but  now  craving  that  it  would  please  the  Incorporation 
to  allow  the  aforesaid  favour  which  could  be  no  hurt  to 
them." 

"Which  letter  being  read  and  considered  by  the 
house,  they  refused  the  desire  thereof." — E.  H.  Records. 

"To  be  sold  by  George  Monro,  watchmaker  in  the 
head  of  Canongate,  Edinburgh,  a  large  assortment  of 
new  watches,  viz.,  enamelled,  set  in  gold,  chased  do., 
plain  do.,  pinchbeck  do.,  of  the  most  fashionable  kinds 
for  ladies  and  gentlemen,  the  work  being  as  good  as 
if  they  were  in  gold  cases;  variety  of  silver  do.  As  the 
above  watches  are  all  manufactured  by  his  own  hands, 
their  goodness  and  soundness  may  be  depended  upon. 

"  N.B. — He  has  also  a  shop  at  Inverness,  and  keeps 


276  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

a  person  there  well  qualified  for  repairing  clocks  and 
watches  in  the  best  manner,  where  gentlemen  may  be 
served  in  new  clocks  and  watches  of  all  kinds,  and  at  the 
same  prices  as  at  Edinburgh  or  London.  Commissions 
given  in  there  or  at  his  shop  in  Canongate  will  be 
faithfully  answered." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  3ist 
January  1758. 

"  Wanted  a  journeyman  Clockmaker  of  a  good 
character  that  can  make  a  good  clock  ;  he  shall  have 
good  wages,  and  after  working  some  time  at  clock- 
making  may  be  taught  watchmaking  upon  reasonable 
terms  if  he  pleases.  Wanted  also  one  or  two  apprentices 
to  be  taught  watchmaking.  Inquire  at  George  Monro, 
watchmaker  in  Canongate,  Edinburgh." — Ibid.,  i6th 
September  1761. 

"George  Monro,  watchmaker  in  the  Canongate,  has 
made  ready  for  sale  a  parcel  of  exceeding  sound  Scots 
Watches.  Some  of  them  are  for  Doctors,  having  the 
seconds  from  the  centre,  made  after  a  plain  and  simple 
method,  which  must  go  very  well  and  can  be  sold  at 
very  moderate  prices. 

"  N.B. — He  intends  to  begin  a  clock  and  watch  club 
about  the  end  of  the  month.  Those  that  want  a  clock 
or  watch  in  that  way  may  send  their  names  betwixt  and 
that  time." — Caledonian  Mercury,  1/j.th  January  1/64. 

"On  the  2/th  April  1769,  George  Monro,  clockmaker, 
Edinburgh,  advises  the  Magistrates  of  Nairn  that  he 
has  shipped,  by  Colonel  Hector  Monro's  order  (their 
member  of  Parliament),  a  new  steeple  clock  for  the  town. 
He  assures  them  he  has  proved  the  clock  and  it  goes 
well,  and  he  believes  it  to  be  as  good  a  clock  as  in 
Scotland  for  its  size." — L.  SHAW'S  History  of  the  Province 
of  Moray. 

"  New  silver  watch,  London,  made  to  be  sold  by 
George  Monro,  watchmaker  in  Canongate,  good  and 
strong,  at  a  low  price  for  ready  money,  being  the  stock 
of  one  gone  wrong,  so  that  a  great  pennyworth  may 
be  had  on  calling  soon  before  the  completion  of  said 
sale  ;  also  a  few  of  the  best  Edinburgh  shade  watches, 
which  he  can  warrant  to  be  very  strong  and  cheap  at 
different  prices." — Caledonian  Mercury,  6th  May  1769. 

"  To  be  sold  by  George  Monro,  watchmaker  in 
Canongate  Head,  Edinburgh,  an  exceedingly  good 
clock  dial  or  regulator  showing  the  hours  and  minutes, 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  277 

two  opposite  '  airths,'  on  the  outside  of  the  house  where 
it  is  placed.  Its  dial  boards  are  26  inches  in  diameter, 
and  its  projection  from  the  wall  to  the  centre  of  the  dial 
boards  are  4  feet  2  inches.  The  clock  within  the  house 
which  turns  the  hands  of  the  outside  dials  goes  eight 
days,  and  has  a  white  dial  plate  12  inches  square, 
showing  the  hours  and  minutes  within  the  house  as  well 
as  without,  so  that  the  hands  without  are  set  by  turning 
them  within. 

"  It  is  no  more  trouble  or  expense  to  keep  it  agoing 
than  a  plain  eight-day  clock,  and  it  is  so  made  that  the 
weather  cannot  hurt  it.  It  was  made  by  the  late  George 
Scott  (q.v.),  who  was  known  to  excel  in  the  art  of 
making  that  kind  of  clock.  It  goes  with  great  exactness, 
is  preserved  in  good  order,  the  woodwork  is  lately 
renewed  ;  it  will  answer  for  a  country  town,  street,  or 
manufactory.  Also  a  handsome  new  eight-day  clock  in 
mahogany  case  resembling  tortoise-shell,  mounted  with 
Corinthian  capitals. 

"  N.B. — As  the  above  George  Monro  has  been  at 
greater  expense  and  labour  than  any  in  his  way  in 
this  country  to  bring  his  clock  and  watch  engines  to 
the  greatest  degree  of  perfection,  by  which  he  can 
make  it  appear  he  can  serve  those  who  please  to 
favour  him  with  their  employment,  with  goods  equal 
if  not  superior  in  quality  to  any  hitherto  manufactured 
in  this  country." — Ibtd.y  7th  September  1771. 

"  IMPROVEMENT  UPON  HORIZONTAL  AND  PLAIN 
WATCHES. — The  virtue  and  utility  of  watch  jewelling  is 
obvious  to  all  watchmakers,  and  has  been  practised  by 
the  most  eminent  of  them  since  discovery,  but  they 
never  extended  this  valuable  improvement  any  further 
than  in  jewelling  the  last  and  swiftest  moving  wheel 
commonly  called  the  balance. 

"  George  Monro,  watchmaker  in  Canongate  Head, 
Edinburgh,  has  found  out  a  method  of  extending  this 
invention  of  watch  jewelling  to  three  more  of  the 
swiftest  wheels  of  the  watch,  by  which  the  watch  will  go 
three  degrees  better,  last  three  times  longer,  and  will  go 
without  cleaning  to  better  purpose  for  six  years  than 
the  best  watch,  made  without  this  improvement,  can  go 
two.  The  advantages  of  this  additional  jewelling  are  as 
follows : — The  pivots  that  move  in  those  jewels  or  hard 
bushes  are  never  galled  nor  impaired  by  the  motion  of 


278  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

the  one  into  the  other,  and  go  with  much  less  friction 
and  greater  velocity  than  a  wheel  moving  in  brass,  for 
brass  corrupts  and  putrifies  the  oil,  and  turns  it  some- 
times in  half  a  year  to  a  thick  substance  which  clogs  the 
wheels  and  roughens  the  pivots,  making  them  stand  in 
need  of  repairs,  commonly  in  one  year,  or  two  at  the 
most.  So  soon  as  this  alteration  is  made  by  the  oil  and 
the  motion  of  the  watch,  it  becomes  very  variable,' 
although  made  of  the  finest  workmanship. 

"  As  a  demonstration  of  what  is  here  advanced, 
George  Monro  has  made,  and  has  now  for  sale,  a  silver 
horizontal  watch,  caped  and  jewelled  as  above  described, 
with  some  other  curious  and  necessary  improvements ; 
one  of  them  is  a  diamond  hand  resembling  three  moving 
stars  or  planets  revolving  every  minute.  This  is  the 
best  construction  of  a  second  or  stop  watch,  as  it  consists 
of  not  one  wheel  more  than  the  plainest  watch  ;  besides, 
it  is  in  other  respects  better  qualified  for  measuring 
time  than  any  other  invented. 

"  N.B. — Good  old  watches  made  by  noted  watch- 
makers, if  in  good  condition,  can  have  this  new 
improvement  applied  to  them  as  well  as  new  watches, 
by  which  they  will  be  made  to  measure  time  with  much 
more  exactness  than  they  did  at  first.  Noblemen  and 
gentlemen  that  please  to  favour  George  Monro  with 
their  employment  may  depend  upon  being  served  with 
the  greatest  care  and  despatch.  The  expense  of 
jewelling  is  one  guinea  a  wheel." — Edinburgh  Evening 
C our  ant,  25th  January  1774. 

"A  GOLD  WATCH  CLUB. — George  Monro,  watch 
maker  and  watch  jeweller  in  Canongate  Head,  Edin- 
burgh, proposes  to  take  in  subscribers'  names  for  a  gold 
watch  club ;  at  which  club  gentlemen  shall  be  served  in 
the  best  gold  watches,  of  any  fashion  they  choose, 
horizontal  or  plain,  chased  or  engraved,  from  eighteen 
guineas  to  thirty  guineas,  they  paying  monthly  in 
proportion  to  the  value  of  the  watch  they  choose. 

"  A  specimen  of  the  said  watches  is  to  be  seen  at  his 
shop.  Those  who  live  in  town  or  country  may  be  served 
in  this  manner  without  being  put  to  the  trouble  to 
attend  the  club,  by  sending  their  monthly  payment  the 
day  before  the  club  meets,  or  appointing  a  friend  to  act 
in  their  place.  They  will  be  as  carefully  drawn  for  as 
if  they  were  present. 

"N.B. — New  gold,  silver,  and  pinchbeck  watches  of 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  279 

the  best  kind  and  of  different  qualities,  very  fine  spring 
clocks  and  spring  alarms.  House  clocks,  in  mahogany 
and  wainscot  cases,  ready  to  be  sold  at  the  lowest 
prices.  Continues  to  jewel  old  gold  and  silver  watches, 
which  greatly  improves  their  going,  and  is  a  great 
preservation  to  them.  He  gives  the  highest  price  for 
old  gold  and  silver  watches  in  exchange  for  new  ones." 
— Caledonian  Mercury ',  2nd  August  1777. 

"  A  SALE  OF  GOLD,  SILVER,  AND  PINCHBECK 
WATCHES  AND  SPRING  CLOCKS.  —  George  Monro, 
watch  maker  and  watch  jeweller,  has  now  opened  a  laigh 
shop  opposite  to  the  White  Horse  Inn,  Canongate 
Head,  Edinburgh  ;  has  now  ready  for  sale  the  following 
kinds  of  Clocks  and  Watches  :  —The  first  parcel  consists 
of  a  Gold  Horizontal  Watch  with  seconds.  This  watch 
is  of  the  greatest  value  to  gentlemen  going  long  voyages, 
as  it  measures  time  with  much  more  exactness  than 
other  watches.  It  will  also  go  four  or  five  years  without 
cleaning ;  and,  if  they  should  go  six  or  seven  years 
without  cleaning,  it  will  be  without  damage  to  the 
watch.  Besides,  of  all  other  watches  they  are  the 
soonest  brought  to  time  after  cleaning,  and  must 
continue  much  longer  regular  going  than  any  hitherto 
invented." — Ibid.,  I4th  August  1779. 

"  To  be  sold,  two  houses  in  Maitland's  Lane,  Canon- 
gate,  one  of  six  rooms,  kitchen,  garret,  and  cellar,  as  lately 
possessed  by  Major  Melvill  of  Cairney ;  the  other,  of 
three  rooms,  kitchen,  and  cellar,  as  lately  possessed  by 
George  Monro,  watchmaker,  now  by  Mr  Schetky  ;  both 
free  of  vermin  and  smoke."  —  Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  29th  November  1779. 

"George  Monro,  watchmaker,  inventor  of  the  ex- 
tension of  watch  jewelling  by  liquid  steel  bushes,  is  now 
moved  from  the  Canongate  Head  to  the  East  End  of 
Rose  Street,  New  Edinburgh,  where  he  carries  on  his 
business  of  Watch  and  Clock  Making  in  all  their 
branches,  and  has  ready  one  of  these  fine  watches  with 
the  jewelling  extended  in  gold,  which  goes  with  much 
more  exactness  than  any  watch  made  upon  the  common 
principle  of  brass  bushes.  Noblemen,  Gentlemen,  or 
Ladies  that  have  good  old  watches  of  their  ancestors 
that  they  may  'chuse'  to  improve  in  going  by  applying 
this  new  invention,  they  will  go  more  regular  than  when 
first  made." — Edinburgh  Advertiser \  i$th  July  1788. 


280  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

Admitted  a  member  of  Lodge  St  David,  Edinburgh, 
1 6th  January  1754. 

"  Died  at  his  house  in  Canongate,  at  the  advanced 
age  of  80,  Mr  George  Monro,  sometime  watchmaker  in 
Edinburgh."— Obituary  notice  in  Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  i8th  October  1804. 

MONRO,  HECTOR.     40  Bridge  Street,  Leith,  1836;  died  at 
Couper  Street,  Leith,  22nd  March  1847. 

MONRO,  HUGH.     7  West  Bow,  Edinburgh,  1-825. 

MONRO,  HUNTER.     Edinburgh,  1804.     Bound  apprentice 
to  James  Howden,  I3th  September  1804. 

MONTEITH,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1781. 

MOORE,  GEORGE.     Cumnock,  Ayrshire,  1837-50. 

MORGAN,  DONALD.    Bridge  Street,  Kirkwall,  Orkney,  1845. 

MORGAN,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh,  1767-1803. 

Married  Elizabeth  Bayne,  iSth  April  1788. 
"  Booked  apprentice  to  William  Nicoll,  2Oth 
November  1767.  Thomas  Morgan,  sometime  apprentice 
to  the  deceased  William  Nicoll,  presented  his  bill 
craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman  on  4th  May  1776. 
Compeared  on  iSth  November  1776,  and  produced  his 
essay,  being  a  plain  watch  movement  begun,  made,  and 
finished  in  his  own  shop  in  presence  of  Samuel  Brown, 
landlord,  Laurence  Dalgleish,  James  Gray,  and  Thomas 
Sibbald,  essay  masters  as  they  declared,  etc." — E.  H. 
Records. 

"On  Tuesday  the  1st  January,  between  the  hours  of 
ten  and  twelve  o'clock  forenoon,  was  dropped  between 
St  John  Street  and  the  meeting-house  in  Carrubber's 
Close  the  gold  chased  case  of  a  lady's  watch.  Any 
person  who  has  found  it  is  desired  to  return  it  to 
Thomas  Morgan,  watchmaker,  who  is  empowered  to 
give  a  handsome  reward. 

"N.L\— if    offered    to   sale,   it   is   entreated    to    be 
stopped,  and  information  given  as  above  mentioned."- 
Caledonian  Mercury ',  4th  January  1779. 

"  Lost  on  the  3rd  day  of  October  current,  on  the 
road  either  between  Lauder  and  Greenlaw  and  Dunse, 
a  large  silver  repeating  watch,  maker's  name  John  May, 
London,  with  a  steel  chain.  Whoever  has  found  the 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  281 

same,  upon  informing  or  delivering  it  to  Thomas 
Morgan,  watchmaker,  Edinburgh,  or  to  Mrs  Buchan, 
innkeeper,  Greenlaw,  or  George  Purves,  innkeeper  at 
Dunse,  shall  be  handsomely  rewarded.  All  watchmakers, 
jewellers,  etc.,  are  requested  to  stop  the  watch  if  offered 
for  sale."— Ibid.,  Hth  October  1780. 

"  T.  Morgan  respectfully  acquaints  his  friends  and 
the  public  that  he  has  moved  from  his  late  shop  in  the 
Clam  Shell,  Turnpike,  High  Street,  to  No.  30,  east  side 
of  South  Bridge,  where  he  will  continue  to  carry  on  the 
watch  and  clock  making  in  all  its  branches.  He  has  at 
present  an  elegant  variety  of  plain  and  ornamented 
Gold,  Silver,  and  Pinchbeck  Watches,  also  elegant  spring 
quarter  clocks  of  all  sorts.  Barometers  and  Thermom- 
eters made  and  repaired  upon  the  shortest  notice." — 
Edinburgh  Advertiser,  3rd  March  1789. 

"  T.  Morgan  embraces  the  opportunity  to  return  his 
grateful  acknowledgments  to  his  friends  and  the  public 
for  their  very  liberal  countenance  towards  him  hitherto 
in  the  way  of  his  profession,  and  begs  leave  to  acquaint 
them  that  he  has  removed  from  his  former  shop  on 
South  Bridge  to  a  more  commodious  shop,  No.  I 
Infirmary  Street,  where  he  intends  to  carry  on  the  clock 
and  watch  making  business  in  all  its  branches  and  on 
the  lowest  terms.  J.  M.  at  present  is  provided  with  an 
excellent  stock  of  clocks  and  watches  and  timepieces 
of  all  descriptions,  particularly  spring  or  table  clocks, 
together  with  a  variety  of  articles  in  the  jewellery  line, 
all  well  deserving  the  notice  of  purchasers.  Clocks  and 
Watches  repaired  and  mended  as  usual  with  care  and 
attention." — Caledonian  Mercury,  2ist  May  1803. 

MORISON,  WILLIAM.     Drysdale  Street,  Alloa,  1841. 

"  Takes  this  opportunity  of  returning  his  sincere 
thanks  to  those  who  have  favoured  him  with  their 
liberal  support  in  the  above  line.  With  a  continued 
attention  to  business,  he  humbly  hopes  to  merit  a  share 
of  public  favour.  W.  M.  has  always  on  hand  for  sale 
a  quantity  of  jewellery  and  watches  which  he  is  deter- 
mined to  sell  on  reasonable  terms." — Alloa  Monthly 
Advertiser,  2nd  January  1841. 

MORRISON,   ALEXANDER.    252   Argyle  Street,  Glasgow, 

1837- 
MORRISON,  GEORGE.    Aberdeen,  1792. 


282  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

MORRISON,  GEORGE.     Auchtermuchty,  1795. 

MORRISON,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1787-94. 

Bound  apprentice  to  David  Murray,  loth  April  1787. 
Discharged  of  his  indentures  ist  November  1794. 

MORRISON,  THEODORE.     Bridge  of  Dee,  Aberdeen,  1846. 
MORRISON,  WILLIAM.     King  Street,  Glasgow,  1820. 
MORRISON  &  M'EWEN.     Leith  Street,  Edinburgh,  1849. 
MORTIMER,    WILLIAM.      Lower    Castle    Street,    Cullen, 

1837- 

MORTIMER,  WILLIAM.     Portsoy,  1837. 
MORTON,  JAMES.     Dunbar;  died  I2th  December  1836. 
MORTON,  ROBERT  S.     Dunbar,  1837. 
MOSELY,  M.     King  Street,  Glasgow,  1825. 

MOSSMAN  &  SON.     12  North  Bridge  and  Princes  Street, 
Edinburgh,  1813-1906. 

MUIR,  JAMES.     Glasgow,  1792. 

MUIR,  ROBERT.     Drakemyr,  Dairy,  Ayrshire,  1850. 

MUIRHEAD,  .     33  Nelson  Street,  Glasgow,  1838. 

MUIRHEAD,  HENRY.     Montague  Street,  Rothesay,  1836. 

MUIRHEAD,    HENRY.     Royal   Exchange  Place,  Glasgow, 

1839. 
MUIRHEAD,  JAMES.     Glasgow,  1823. 

MUIRHEAD,    JAMES.      90    Buchanan    Street,    Glasgow, 
1817-41. 

MUNRO,  DUGALD.     Aberfeldie,  1837. 
MUNRO,  HUGH.     Dollar,  1837. 
MUNRO,  JOHN.      Edinburgh,  1783. 

MURDOCH,   ANDREW.     20  St  Andrew  Square,  Glasgow, 
1828. 

MURDOCH,  JAMES.     Bridge  Street,  Ayr,  1837. 

MURDOCH,  JAMES.     Tarbolton,  1850. 

MURDOCH,  JAMES  &  SON.     Main  Street,  Ayr,  1820-50. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  283 

MURDOCH,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1752-75. 

"  Bound  apprentice  to  Andrew  Dickie,  3<Dth  October 
1752  ;  discharged  of  his  indentures,  I7th  November  1759, 
John  Murdoch,  late  apprentice  to  the  deceased  Andrew 
Dickie;  compeared  on  3ist  July  1767  and  produced 
his  essay,  being  a  finished  watch  movement  begun,  made, 
and  finished  in  his  own  shop  in  the  presence  of  Daniel 
Binny,  landlord,  Robert  Clidsdale,  Normand  Macpherson, 
and  James  Auchterlony,  essay  masters  as  they  declared, 
etc."— E.  H.  Records. 

MURDOCH,  JOHN.     Son  of  above;  booked  apprentice  to 
his  father,  I3th  April  1767. 

MURRAY,  DAVID.     Edinburgh,  1769-1832. 

"Born  1 7th  October  1755;  died  3rd  January  1832; 
buried  in  the  Greyfriars  Churchyard,  Edinburgh; 
booked  apprentice  to  James  Cowan,  i6th  January  1769. 
Compeared  and  presented  a  bill  craving  to  be  admitted 
a  freeman,  22nd  February  1779.  Compeared  and 
presented  his  essay,  being  a  plain  watch  movement, 
made  and  finished  in  presence  of  James  Howden,  land- 
lord ;  James  Cowan,  Samuel  Brown,  and  Thomas 
Sibbald,  essay  masters  as  they  declared,  etc.,  on  I4th 
July  1779." — E.  H.  Records. 

"Lost  on  the  I3th  of  June,  between  Crossford  and 
Gateside  near  Dunfermline,  a  silver  watch,  out  case 
engraved  marked  J.  D.  S.,  maker's  name  D.  Edmonds, 
Liverpool,  No.  161.  Whoever  has  found  her  may  apply 
to  David  Murray,  watchmaker,  Lawnmarket,  Edinburgh, 
who  will  give  a  handsome  reward." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  I2th  July  1787. 

MURRAY,  GEORGE.     Lochnell  Street,  Lochgilphead,  1837. 
MURRAY,  GEORGE.     Doune,  1798. 
MURRAY,  JAMES.    Perth,  1790. 

Apprenticed  to  James  Young,  Perth,  1790. 
MURRAY,  JAMES.     Mofifat  and  London,  1823. 

"The  Lords  Commissioners  of  the  Admiralty  having 
advertised  a  premium  of  ,£300  for  the  best  Chronometer 
which  should  be  kept  at  Greenwich  for  one  year,  thirty- 
six  were  sent  thither  by  the  principal  chronometer 


284  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

maker  in  London,  and  were  kept  in  1823.  It  was 
announced  that  if  any  chronometer  varied  six  seconds 
it  could  not  obtain  a  prize.  At  the  end  of  the  year  the 
prize  was  decided  to  be  gained  by  Mr  James  Murray,  of 
Cornhill,  whose  instrument  on  no  one  month  varied 
more  than  one  second  and  eleven  hundred  parts  of  a 
second.  This  distinguished  artist,  who  had  the  honour 
of  producing  the  best  instrument  ever  known,  is  a 
native  of  MofTat  in  Dumfries.  The  Chronometer  is 
now  sent  out  with  Captain  Parry." — Glasgow  Mechanics' 
Magazine,  1825,  vol.  ii.,  page  145. 

MURRAY,  JOHN.     Lanark,  1790. 
MURRAY,  JOHN.     Aberdeen,  1843. 
MURRAY,  ROBERT.     Lauder,  1837. 
MURRAY,  R.  &  R.     Lauder.     See  page  220. 
MURRAY,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1706. 

Son  to  William  Murray,  merchant,  Edinburgh ; 
booked  apprentice  to  Thomas  Gordon,  9th  February  1706. 

MYLES,  GEORGE.     Edinburgh,  1676. 

Son  lawful  to  John  Myles ;  booked  apprentice  to 
Humphrey  Milne  or  Mills,  I2th  January  1676. 

MYLNE,  J.  A.     Montrose,  1740. 

MYLNE,  JAMES.     Windmill  Street,  Edinburgh,  1793. 
MYLNE,  JAMES.     West  Register  Street,  Edinburgh,  1793. 
NAPIER.  THOMAS.    Glasgow,  1789-1803. 

"Lost  on  Monday,  I2th  December,  a  silver  watch, 
maker's  name  Thomas  Napier,  Glasgow,  No.  1688.  A 
cornelian  seal  set  in  gold  affixed  to  it  by  a  black  silk 
ribbon.  Whoever  will  bring  it  to  the  Courier  office 
will  be  handsomely  rewarded." — Glasgow  Courier,  I4th 
December  1803. 

NAPIER  &  DUNN.     Head  of  Stockwell,  Glasgow,  1783. 
NEALL,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1775. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Turnbull  &  Aitchison,  28th 
January  1775. 

NEILL,  JOHN.     Glasgow,  1627-49.     See  page  161. 
NEILSON,  GEORGE.     50  Friars  Vennel,    Dumfries,  1820. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  285 

NEILSON,  JOHN.    Glasgow,  1810-17. 

"  On  the  /th  of  March  a  boy  came  into  the  shop 
of  John  Neilson,  watchmaker,  and  said  he  wished  to 
purchase  a  watch.  The  boy  appearing  to  be  only  12  or 
13  years  of  age,  the  watchmaker  asked  at  him  how  much 
money  he  had ;  he  said  he  did  not  know.  He  then 
asked  leave  to  count  it,  which  the  boy  allowed  him  to 
do.  On  asking  some  further  questions  anent  the  money, 
he  said  he  got  it  from  an  uncle  in  Tollcross.  The 
watchmaker  then  told  him  to  bring  his  uncle  and  he 
would  either  get  his  money  or  a  watch.  The  boy  ran 
off  and  has  never  yet  appeared.  Any  person  who  can 
give  information  concerning  this  boy  or  the  money 
will  be  satisfied  by  applying  at  94  Gallowgate,  Glasgow." 
— Glasgow  Courier \  3ist  March  1812. 

"  Early  on  Wednesday  morning  the  shop  of  Mr  John 
Neilson,  watchmaker,  Gallowgate,  Glasgow,  near  the 
foot  of  Campbell  Street,  was  broken  into,  and  about  100 
watches,  besides  seals,  chains,  etc.,  amounting  in  value 
to  £500  carried  away.  The  thieves  entered  by  cutting 
the  window  above  a  back  door,  and  made  their  escape 
by  the  front  door,  which  was  bolted  in  the  inside.  A 
person  with  a  screw-driver  in  his  possession  was  secured 
about  two  o'clock  near  the  spot  by  the  watchman  after 
considerable  resistance,  and  is  now  in  custody.  He,  we 
understand,  is  an  old  offender,  and  the  marks  on  the 
window  which  was  broken  open  exactly  fit  the  screw- 
driver. It  is  strongly  suspected  that  a  considerable 
party  had  been  engaged  in  the  robbery.  About  the 
time  it  happened  a  disturbance,  no  doubt  intentional, 
took  place  in  Kent  Street,  which  drew  the  attention  of 
the  watchmen  from  their  respective  stations  on  the  spot ; 
the  consequence  was  the  villains  were  enabled  to  commit 
their  depredations  with  less  chance  of  it  being  detected." 
— Edinburgh  Advertiser,  6th  June  1817. 

NEVAY,  WILLIAM.     Castle  Street,  Forfar,  1837. 
NEWLANDS,  L.  F.     130  Trongate,  Glasgow,  1816. 
NEWLANDS,  JAMES  &  LUKE.     Glasgow,  1823. 

NICHOLSON,     JOHN.     .52    Bridge     Street,     Berwick-on- 
Tweed,  1837. 

NICHOLSON,     RICHARD.      Bridge     Street,    Berwick-on- 
Tweed,  1806-22. 


286  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

NICOL,  JAMES.     Mill  Lane,  Kilmarnock,  1850. 

NICOL,  JOSEPH.     Coupar  Angus,  1801-37. 

"  Mary  or  May  Edward  or  Nicoll,  wife  of  Joseph 
Nicoll,  watchmaker  in  Coupar  Angus,  served  Heir 
General  to  her  father,  John  Edward,  Flesher  there, 
dated  loth  July  1801.  Recorded  7th  August  1801." — 
Services  of  Heirs. 

NICOLL,  JAMES,  or  NICCOLL.  Canongate,  Edinburgh, 
1721-60. 

Apprenticed  to  Alexander  Brand,  1721.  Admitted 
freeman  clock  and  watch  maker,  Canongate  Hammer- 
men, 2nd  July  1729. 

This  individual  was  present  at  the  execution  of 
Andrew  Wilson,  when  the  spectators  were  fired  on  by 
command  of  Captain  Porteous.  The  story  is  most 
graphically  described  in  Sir  Walter  Scott's  Heart  of 
Midlothian.  We  give  Nicoll's  evidence  as  it  is  reported 
in  the  volume  of  State  Trials,  for  the  year  1736  when 
the  occurrence  took  place  :— - 

"James  Nicoll,  watchmaker  in  Canongate,  aged 
36  years  or  thereby,  married,1  solemnly  sworn,  purged 
of  malice,  partial  council  examined  and  interrogated, 
deponed,  that  he  was  present,  time  and  place  libelled, 
at  the  execution  of  Andrew  Wilson,  and  that  he  did 
observe  panel,  fire  his  gun,  holding  it  straight  before  him 
amongst  the  multitude  there  assembled  ;  and  as  he  heard 
the  report  of  the  gun,  so  he  observed  the  smoke  of  the 
powder  coming  from  the  gun,  and  this  shot  was  the  first 
he  heard  upon  that  occasion,  and  the  panel  when  thus 
fired  was  standing  betwixt  the  gibbet  and  one  Mr 
Cunninghame's  shop  on  the  north  side  of  the  street, 
near  the  north-east  end  of  the  scaffold  '  Causa  Scientie 
Patet.'  And  this  is  the  truth  as  he  shall  answer  to 
God. — Sic  Sub'scribitur,  JAMES  NlCOLL  and  DAVID 
ERSKINE." 

A  capital  example  of  this  maker's  handiwork  is  now 

1  He  apparently  was  married  twice,  for  according  to  the  Edinburgh 
Register  of  Marriages,  his  name  appears  as  having  married  Charlotta 
Bachelor,  residenter  in  Edinburgh,  igth  March  1748.  Of  course,  it 
might  be  a  son  of  his  that,  this  last  date  refers  to,  but  no  evidence  is 
available  as  to  relationship. 


LONG  CASE  CLOCK, 

In    mahogany  case.     By   James 

Nicoll,    Edinburgh,    1721-60.      The 

property    of    the    Royal     Bank    of 

Scotland,  Edinburgh.     (See  p.  286.) 


LONG  CASE  CLOCK, 
In  oak  case.     By  Thomas  Gordon, 
Edinburgh,  1688-1743.    The  property 
of  John  Whimster,  Esq.,   St  Mary's, 
Ontario,  Canada.     (See  p.  1 68.) 


[To  face  page  286. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  287 

located  in  one  of  the  rooms  of  the  Royal  Bank  of 
Scotland,  St  Andrew  Square,  Edinburgh,  and  it  is 
worth  noting  that  although  the  surname  on  this 
particular  clock  is  spelt "  Niccoll "  instead  of"  Nicoll,"  this 
difference  may  be  due  rather  to  the  vagary  of  the 
engraver  than  to  any  attempt  of  the  maker  to  spell 
his  surname  with  the  two  c's. 

NICOLL,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1740-75. 
Married  28th  April  1745. 

"  Booked  apprentice  to  Patrick  Gordon,  1740.  Com- 
peared  4th  June  1748,  and  presented  a  bill  craving  to  be 
admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker.  Compeared 
on  1 6th  Sept.  1748,  and  presented  his  essay,  viz.,  a  plain 
eight-day  clock,  which  was  found  to  be  a  well  wrought 
essay,  etc.  His  essay  masters  were  John  Brown,  Alex- 
ander Brand,  and  William  Richardson.  His  essay  was 
made  in  his  own  shop,  and  Patrick  Gordon,  landlord."- 
E.  H.  Records. 

"Lost  on  Thursday  night,  the  27th  April  1750, 
betwixt  Todrick's  Wynd  and  the  Fish  Market  Close,  a 
fashionable  silver  watch,  maker's  name  William  Liptrot, 
London,  No.  205.  If  any  can  give  account  of  it  let  them 
call  at  William  Nicoll,  watchmaker,  first  turnpike  above 
Bell's  Wynd,  Edinburgh,  where  they  will  be  rewarded 
for  their  trouble." — Caledonian  Mercury,  7th  May  1750. 

"Sarah  Nicoll  or  Ramage,  wife  of  William  Nicoll, 
watchmaker,  Edinburgh,  served  Heir  Portioner  General 
to  her  uncle,  George  Ramsay,  Shipmaster,  Linktown 
of  Arnot,  dated  3rd  July  1753." — Services  of  Heirs. 

"  Lost  on  Saturday,  the  7th  instant,  betwixt  the 
Abbey  Hill  and  Jock's  Lodge,  a  large  silver  watch, 
maker's  name  Deschurines,  London,  without  a  number, 
with  a  gold  rim  round  the  glass,  and  with  a  shagreen 
case  studded  with  Pinchbeck;  a  black  leather  string 
with  a  small  padlock  key  and  the  watch  key  hanging  to 
it.  Whoever  will  bring  the  same  to  Mr  William  Nicoll, 
watchmaker,  Back  of  the  Guard,  Edinburgh,  shall  receive 
a  handsome  reward." — Ibid.,  loth  June  1755. 

"  There  was  lost  on  Wednesday  last  betwixt  the  east 
corner  of  the  Meadows  and  the  Cage,  a  silver  watch, 
maker's  name  William  Nicoll,  Edinburgh,  No.  70. 


288  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

Whoever  returns  the  same  to  Mr  William  Nicoll, 
watchmaker,  at  the  Back  of  the  Guard,  Edinburgh, 
shall  have  half  a  guinea  reward  and  no  questions 
asked." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant^  25th  May  1767. 

"  Lost  by  a  Lady  on  Wednesday  the  6th  instant,  at 
Mr  Strange's  ball  or  going  home  in  the  chair,  the 
'outwart'  case  of  a  watch  'chassed'  in  gold,  and 
whoever  has  found  the  same  and  will  bring  it  to 
William  Nicoll,  watchmaker,  at  the  Back  of  the  Guard, 
shall  have  one  guinea  reward  and  no  questions  asked." — 
Caledonian  Mercury,  9th  March  1771. 

NIMMO,  ALEXANDER.     High  Street,  Kirkcaldy,  1820. 
NIMMO,  ALEXANDER.     Leith,  1819. 
NIMMO,  J.     New  Quay,  Leith,  1806. 
NISBET,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1760. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Daniel  Binny,  8th  Nov.  1760. 
NOBLE,  JOHN.     Perth,  1791. 

Apprenticed  to  James  Greig,  1791. 
NORRIE,  DAVID.     Leith,  1787-1811. 

Admitted  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker,  Canongate 
Hammermen,  i6th  November  1787;  was  in  business 
New  Quay,  Leith,  up  to  1801  ;  continued  by  his  widow 
in  North  Leith  up  to  1811. 

OGG,  HENDRIE.     High  Street,  Dunfermline,  1820. 

OGG  &  M'MILLAN.     30  Regent  Quay,  Aberdeen,  1846. 

OLIPHANT,  ALEXANDER.     Anstruther  Easter. 

Nephew  of  John  Smith,  Pittenweem  ;  born  on  i8th 
June  1784,  at  Pittenweem;  served  his  apprenticeship 
with  his  uncle ;  started  business  in  Anstruther  Easter 
about  1818.  Clock  made  by  him  in  possession  of  his 
grandson  Mr  Oliphant,  Stenton  House,  Elie,  Fife. 

OLIPHANT,  ALEXANDER.     Shore,  Anstruther,  1837. 
OLIPHANT,  ALEXANDER.     Pittenweem,  1815-40. 
ORR,  JAMES.     East  Breast,  Greenock,  1817. 
ORR,  WILLIAM.     Bradshaw  Street,  Saltcoats,  1850. 
OTT,  WILLIAM.     48  Leith  Street,  Edinburgh,  1850. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  289 

PAISLEY — Notices  regarding  the  Common  Clock  of,  1603. 

22nd November  1603. — "The  quhilk  day  it  is  aggreit 
betwix  the  Baillies  and  Counsell  of  this  burgh  of  Paisley 
on  the  ane  pairt,  John  Wallace,  Smythe,  and  Thomas 
Quytfurd,  cautioner  for  him,  on  the  other  pairt,  that  the 
said  John  Wallace  sail  not  onlie  keip  and  oyill  the 
knock,  and  gif  onie  pairt  thairof  breckis  that  scho  [so] 
neids  mending,  he  sail  mak  and  mend  the  samin  upon 
his  awin  expensis,  and  als  sail  ring  and  knell  the  samin 
ilk  nicht  at  ten  houris  at  even,  for  the  space  of  ane  yeir 
next  efter  the  dait  heirof,  for  the  quhilk  causis  and  for 
the  said  John  Wallace  making  of  ane  quheel  quhilk  wes 
broken  of  the  said  knock,  mending  and  graithing  of  hir, 
and  keeping  of  the  samin  in  order  for  the  said  space  of 
ane  yeir,  and  for  making  of  ane  iron  band  or  clasp  to 
the  Brig  Port,  the  Baillies  and  Counsell  actet  and 
obleist  thame  to  caus  thar  Treasurer  pay  to  the  said 
John  Wallace  the  sowme  of  ten  merkis  fyve  schilling 
usuall  money  of  this  realm  for  his  wark,  expensis,  travell, 
and  painis  in  mending  and  keeping  of  the  said  knock." — 
Extracted  from  the  Burgh  Records  of  Paisley ',  1902. 
Edited  with  an  introduction  by  W.  M.  Metcalfe,  D.D., 
F.S.A.  Scot. 

PANTON,  JAMES.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1750-65. 

Apprenticed  to  James  Nicoll,  Qth  November  1750. 
Admitted  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker,  Canongate 
Hammermen,  22nd  November  1760. 

PANTON,  ROBERT.     79  Princes  Street,  Edinburgh,  1825. 
PARK,  GEORGE.     Fishcross  Street,  Fraserburgh,  1836. 

PARK,  JAMES.     Kilmacolm,  1802. 

"There  was  found  in  the  parish  of  Kilmacolm  some 
time  ago,  a  gold  watch.  Any  person  producing  the 
maker's  name  and  number  or  any  sufficient  proof  of  the 
watch  being  theirs,  may  have  it  on  paying  necessary 
charges,  by  applying  to  James  Park,  clockmaker,  Kil- 
macolm."— Glasgow  Courier p,  4th  May  1802. 

PARK,  JOHN.     Inverurie,  1837. 


290  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

PARKER,  MATTHEW.     Dunfermline,  1786-1830. 

We  have  been  unable  to  trace  where  this  maker 
belonged  to,  but  he  occupies  the  unique  position  of 
being  one  of  the  three  men,  born  or  resident  in  Fife,  who 
did  so  much  for  the  art  and  craft  of  clockmaking  during 
the  closing  years  of  the  eighteenth  century.  We  have 
John  Smith  in  the  East  Neuk,  Thomas  Reid  born  in 
Dysart,  and  Matthew  Parker  in  the  west  part  of  the 
"  Kingdom,"  each  of  whom  excelled  in  their  vocation. 
Their  gifts  of  execution  were  of  course  unequal ;  John 
Smith  perhaps  excelling  in  what  may  be  termed  great 
mechanical  skill,  but  this,  when  pitted  against  the 
attainments  of  the  other  two,  made  a  poor  show. 
Thomas  Reid  was  far  and  away  the  master  of  the  trio, 
but  in  the  description  of  the  clock  which  follows,  made 
by  Matthew  Parker,  it  will  be  seen  that  he-  had  some 
claims  to  be  recognised  as  a  craftsman  of  no  mean  skill, 
combining  great  mechanical  execution  with  a  masterly 
grasp  of  the  intricate  calculations  necessary  for  its 
construction.  Its  location,  if  in  existence,  is  unknown 
to  us,  but  it  and  the  fact  that  he  made  a  new  clock 
for  Dunfermline  Town  House  in  1796,  and  was  also 
responsible  for  the  introduction  of  the  Jacquard  Loom 
into  Dunfermline  1820-30,  is  the  only  information  that 
can  be  gleaned  about  this  capable  man. 

"  To  THE  CURIOUS  AND  INGENIOUS. — To  be  seen  at 
Launie's  Auction  Room,  Clam-Shell,  Turnpike,  High 
Street,  Edinburgh,  on  Monday,  the  24th  of  July,  and 
every  lawful  day  from  ten  till  six  o'clock,  a  Planetary 
and  Musical  Clock  of  exquisite  workmanship  in  an 
elegant  mahogany  case  made  by  Matthew  Parker, 
Dunfermline,  and  performs  the  following  motions,  viz., 
points  out  the  rising  and  falling  of  the  horizon  to  show 
the  sun's  and  moon's  rising  and  setting  every  day 
through  the  year,  shows  the  annual  and  diurnal  motion 
of  the  earth  when  the  sun  is  in  the  equinox  and  on  the 
meridian,  the  revolving  of  the  moon  round  the  compass 
with  its  changes,  and  quarters,  her  lunation,  viz.,  29 
days,  12  hours,  45  minutes,  High  water  at  any  port  in 
Britain  by  a  motion  convertible,  the  golden  number 
epact,  Dominical  letter,  the  perpetual  day  of  the  month 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  291 

and  year  with  numbers  and  notes  for  the  same.  Plays 
a  variety  of  tunes,  with  curious  figures  in  the  arch,  and 
goes  one  year  without  winding  up. 

"  It  is  proposed  to  dispose  of  said  clock  by  way  of  a 
lottery  at  IDS.  6d.  each  ticket,  and  as  soon  as  a  sufficient 
number  of  subscribers  are  procured,  the  time  and  place 
of  drawing  will  be  advertised  in  all  the  Edinburgh 
newspapers.  Tickets  to  be  had  at  the  auction  room, 
Messrs  William  Roy,  watchmaker,  Dunfermline,  James 
Christie,  Vinter,  Kirkcaldy,  and  Alexander  Lumsden, 
merchant,  Borrowstounness.  Admission  to  see  the  clock, 
6d.  each,  subscribers  gratis." — Caledonian  Mercury,  22nd 
July  1786. 

A  careful  search  for  the  results  of  this  lottery  has 
been  made  without  success,  and  the  probability  is  that 
the  clock  is  still  located  in  the  county  where  it  was 
originally  made. 

PARKINSON,  ROGER.     Edinburgh,  1745-61. 

Maker  of  new  clock  in  Haddington  Town   House, 
1745- 
PATEN,  ARCHIBALD.    Edinburgh,  1722. 

"  Son  to  ye  decesit  Archd.  Paten,  miller  at  ye 
Water  of  Leith  ;  booked  apprentice  to  John  Brown,  loth 
November  1722." — E.  H.  Records: 

PATERSON,  ALEXANDER.    Leith,  1814. 

Was  in  business  before  this  date,  but  being  prosecuted 
for  working  as  an  unfreeman,  joined  the  Canongate 
Hammermen  in  1814. 

PATERSON,  GEORGE  &  Co.     Cotton,  Aberdeen,  1836. 

PATERSON,  JAMES.     Banff,  1779  to  about  1829. 

"  Admitted  and  received  Burgess  and  Guild  Brother 
of  the  Burgh  of  Banff  on  account  of  the  singular  regard 
the  said  magistrates  bear  to  him." — Burgess  Act  in 
favour  of  James  Paterson,  watchmaker,  Banff,  dated 
1 4th  June  1779,  on  parchment. 

Baptised  at  Mill  of  Durn,  Fordyce,  2ist  April  1757. 
Buried  at  Banff,  i$th  October  1829. 


292  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

PATERSON,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1789-1825. 

"Bound  apprentice  to  James  Howden,  2Oth  July 
1789;  compeared  1st  February  1806  and  presented  his 
essay,  a  watch  movement  begun,  made,  and  finished  in 
his  own  shop,  in  presence  of  James  Howden,  landlord, 
Robert  Green,  John  Sibbald,  and  Laurence  Dalgleish, 
essay  masters  as  they  declared." — E.  H.  Records. 

"James  Paterson  acquaints  his  friends  and  the 
public  that  having  been  near  fifteen  years  with  Mr 
James  Howden  learning  and  practising  the  art  of  watch 
and  clock  making,  he  has  now  opened  shop  for  himself 
at  the  foot  of  Lawnmarket,  north  side,  where,  by 
attention  to  business,  he  hopes  to  attain  a  share  of 
public  favour.  A  variety  of  fashionable  clocks  and 
watches  always  on  hand.  Watches  and  clocks  cleaned 
and  repaired  upon  moderate  terms.  Orders  from  the 
country  carefully  attended  to." — -Edinburgh  Evening 
Couranty  2nd  June  1804. 

"  PATERSON,  JAMES,  Watch  and  Clock  Maker,  at 
the  sign  of  the  Gilded  Watch,  foot  of  the  Lawn- 
market,  north  side,  opposite  the  City  Guard,  grateful 
for  past  favours,  informs  his  friends  and  the  public 
that  he  has  always  on  hand  a  good  stock  of  eight- 
day  clocks  in  mahogany  and  wainscot  cases ;  also  a 
great  variety  of  watches  in  gold,  silver,  and  gilt  cases, 
which  he  can  recommend  as  good  and  useful  articles. 
As  it  is  acknowledged  by  every  one  that  no  person  can 
be  a  proper  judge  of  a  watch  but  those  who  have  been 
bred  to  and  are  workmen  and  understand  the  business, 
J.  P.,  being  himself  a  workman,  and  having  a  proper 
knowledge  of  the  trade,  flatters  himself  that  a  discerning 
public  will  see  the  advantage  of  and  security  that  they 
have  in  purchasing  from  such  as  are  judges  of  what  they 
recommend.  Clocks  and  Watches  of  every  description 
cleaned  and  repaired  in  the  best  manner  and  on 
moderate  terms." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  9th 
April  1809. 

PATERSON,  JOHN.     North  Leith,  1807. 

Admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker,  Canon- 
gate  Hammermen,  nth  August  1807. 

"  Lost  a  few  days  ago  a  silver  watch,  maker's  name 
Thos.  Martin,  London,  No.  9090.  Any  person  who 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  293 

may  have  found  the^  same,  on  restoring  it  to  John 
Paterson,  watchmaker,  North  Leith,  shall  receive  a 
reward.  Watchmakers  and  others  are  requested  to  be 
on  their  guard  if  it  is  offered  for  sale." — Edinburgh 
Evening  C our  ant,  nth  May  1809. 

PATERSON,  PATRICK.    Edinburgh,  1728. 

Son  to  George  Paterson  of  Dunmore ;  booked 
apprentice  to  Thomas  Gordon,  2ist  September  1728. 

PATERSON,  WALTER.    Edinburgh,  1744. 

"  Stolen  out  of  Pierre  Lamotia,  dancing  master,  his 
garden  at  Lillyporhall,  about  half  a  mile  west  of  New- 
haven,  a  black  marble  horizontal  dial  of  an  octagon 
figure,  with  each  second,  minute,  or  the  distance  of  each 
hour  divided  into  thirty  parts  with  a  fleur  de  luce  at 
the  half  hours.  It  has  also  the  Equation  Table  and 
eight  points  of  the  compass  on  it  and  a  brass  stile  made 
for  the  latitude  of  56  degrees.  The  maker's  name, 
Walter  Paterson.  Any  person  who  can  inform  the 
author  of  this  paper  about  the  said  dial  so  as  it  can  be 
got  back  shall  be  handsomely  rewarded." — Caledonian 
Mercury ',  I2th  January  1744. 

PATERSON,  WILLIAM.    Edinburgh,  1768-74. 

"Booked  apprentice  to  James  Duff,  9th  July  1768. 
Transferred  from  James  Duff  to  James  Gray,  29th 
January  1774.  William  Paterson,  sometime  apprentice 
to  James  Duff  and  afterwards  transferred  to  James 
Gray,  on  account  of  some  difference  between  him  and 
James  Gray,  is  allowed  by  the  Incorporation's  consent  to 
serve  out  the  remainder  of  his  time  with  any  master  he 
can  find." — E.  H.  Records. 

PATERSON, .     Carbarns,  1700. 

Made  brass  dial  clocks  as  a  hobby. 

PATERSON,  -    — .     Glasgow,  1824. 

"  MR  PATERSON'S  IMPROVED  CLOCK. — A  clock  which 
shows    the    hours,   minutes,   and   seconds   on   a    more 
improved  plan  than  either  Franklin's  or  Ferguson's."- 
Described     and      illustrated      in     Glasgow     Mechanics* 
Magazine,  I7th  May  1824. 


294  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

PATON,  DAVID.     Dunfermline,  1824. 

"PLANETARIUM       AND       LUNARIUM.-— These       two 

machines  were  made  in  the  year  1824  by  David  Paton, 
Dunfermline.  The  Planetarium,  a  very  fine  one,  was 
made  of  wood,  wooden  wheels,  wooden  pinions,  tin  tubes, 
etc.  It  showed  with  great  accuracy  the  mean  motion  of 
all  the  planets  round  the  sun.  The  Lunarium  showed 
the  apparent  diurnal  revolutions  of  the  sun  and  moon, 
as  also  the  time  of  high  water  and  low  water  at 
Limekilns." — HENDERSON'S  Annals  of  Dunfermline. 

PATON,  JAMES.     Niddry's  Wynd,  Edinburgh,  1773. 
PATTISON,  JAMES.     Glasgow,  1824. 
PAUL,  THOMAS.     45  Sauchiehall  Street,  Glasgow,  1837. 
PAXTON,  JOHN.     Bridge  Street,  Kelso,  1837. 

PEARSON,  THOMAS.     Western    Lane,  Berwick-on-Tweed, 
1820. 

PEARSON,  WILLIAM.     Berwick-on-Tweed,  1843. 

PEAT,  JOHN.    CriefT,  1782. 

1782  is  the  date  of  the  clock  in  the  tower  of  Kenmore 
Church.  Peat  was  paid  in  1781  £40  for  the  clock,  less 
£2  allowed  for  the  old  one,  which  he  then  removed. 

PEAT,  THOMAS.     Stirling,  1818. 
PEAT,  THOMAS.     CriefT,  1784. 

PEATT,  DAVID.    CriefT,  1844. 

"John  Peatt,  merchant  in  Glasgow,  served  Heir 
General  to  his  father,  David  Peatt,  watchmaker  in  CriefT, 
dated  2Oth  December  1844;  recorded  24th  December 
1 844." — Services  of  Heirs. 

PEDDIE,  ANDREW.    20  Broad  Street,  Stirling,  1806-32. 

"  Houses  in  Stirling  for  sale  which  belonged  to  the 
deceased  Robert  Sconce,  writer,  etc.  All  and  whole 
that  tenement  in  Broad  Street  as  presently  occupied  by 
Andrew  Peddie,  clockmaker." — Stirling  Journal,  5th  May 
1825. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  295 

PEDDIE,  JAMES.     Stirling,  1786. 

"  There  was  lost  or  stolen  in  Stirling  a  silver  watch, 
carved  on  the  outer  case,  the  maker's  name,  engraved 
in  the  inside  and  on  the.  dial  plate,  Rose  &  Son, 
London,  with  no  number.  Any  watchmaker  who  will 
stop  her  and  give  information  of  the  same  shall  have 
one  pound  sterling  by  delivering  her  to  James  Peddie, 
watchmaker,  Stirling."— -Edinburgh  Evening  C our  ant ^ 
February  1786. 

PEDDIE,  JAMES.    Stirling,  1801-50. 
PEEBLES,  JAMES.     Town  Head,  Selkirk,  1836. 

PEEBLES — Notices  regarding  the  Common  Clock  of  the 
burgh  of,  from  1462  to  1632. 

23773?  October  14.62. — "Item,  that  ilk  the  gude  men  of 
the  quest  statuted  and  ordained  that  whoever  break  the 
price  of  bread  or  ale  shall  be  fined  xiijd.  (which  is  to  be 
given)  to  the  buying  of  a  knok." 

\AjJi  November  1494. — "Item,  the  burgh  mails  are 
assigned  to  Sir  Thomas  of  Craufurde  for  his  clerk's  fee 
and  to  Sir  Patrik  of  Stanhous  for  his  fee  for  keeping  of 
the  knok." 

2nd  March  1497.  — "  George  of  Myrra  for  ten 
schillinges  payed  for  oil  to  the  knok." 

1509. — "The  quilk  day  was  made  burgess  William 
Tuedall  (and  the  fees)  given  to  Sir  Patrik  for  oil  and 
cords  to  the  knok." 

i8/// January  1556. — "The  inquiest  ordains  to  cause 
make  an  new  door  to  the  steeple  and  ordains  James 
Frank  to  fulfil  all  points  of  his  promise  and  contract 
betwixt  him  and  the  town  anent  the  steeple  and  knok." 

tfh  March  1556. — "And  likemanner  finds  that  the 
baillies  has  failed  that  causit  nocht  James  Frank 
reform  the  points  of  his  contract  anent  the  knok  and 
steeple  as  the  said  contract  proportis,  and  ordains 
them  to  cause  the  said  James  to  have  all  things  that 
pertains  to  the  town  in  his  keeping  in  readiness  to  be 
delivered  to  the  council,  and  to  warn  him  instantly  to 
remove  from  keeping  of  their  common  house  and  knok 
at  Beltane  next  to  come  quhill  [until]  he  and  the  town 
agree." 


296  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

2nd  December  1 564. — "  The  council  gave  the  keeping 
of  their  knok  and  common  house  in  the  steeple  to 
Thomas  Dikesoun,  son  to  William  Dikesoun  off  Winks- 
toun,  and  the  said  Thomas  fand  [found  or  got]  William 
Dikesoun,  his  father,  and  John  Dikesoun,  his  aperand, 
and  their  heir's  surety  and  caution,  that  the  bell  and 
knok  sauld  keip  na  skayth  in  the  keeping  of  the  said 
Thomas  nor  others  quilk  he  should  appoint  under  him, 
but  in  any  skayth  [damage]  was  sustained  by  their  fault 
the  said  sureties  obliges  thair  gudes  and  lands  for 
recompence  of  the  samin." 

6th  December  1570. — "Siclyke  ordains  the  steeple 
and  knok  to  be  orderly  and  sufficiently  kept  (use  and 
wont)  and  to  ring  xij  houris,  vj  houris,  and  courfyre 
nychtlie,  and  to  pay  Andro  Frank  his  fee  therefore 
byganes  as  to  come  always  quhill  he  be  dischargit." 

$th  March  1632. — "  Compeared  personally  Johnne 
Robene,  burgess  of  Peblis,  and  being  received,  sworn, 
and  admitted  Javellour  and  keeper  of  the  steeple  and 
keeper  guyder  and  rewlar  of  the  knok,  and  to  ring  the 
bells  at  the  ordinary  tyme  accustomed  and  appointed." 

22nd  January  1650. — "  Alexander  Williamsone  being 
appointed  Javellour  and  keeper  of  the  steeple  of  Peblis  and 
keeper  guyder  and  rewlar  of  the  knok  theirof  and  to  ring 
the  bells  of  the  same." — Records  of  the  Burgh  of  Peebles. 

In  I797,1  the  year  of  the  tax  on  clocks  and  watches, 
there  was  made  the  following  returns  to  the  assessors  : — 

1  In  connection  with  this  short-lived  tax,  repealed  1798,  the  following 
was  announced  in  the  Edinburgh  Evening  Courant : — 

"  Edinburgh^  i^th  July  1797. — At  a  meeting  held  of  the  watch  and 
clock  makers  in  and  about  Edinburgh  to  consider  the  effects  likely  to  be 
produced  by  the  Bill  before  Parliament  proposing  an  annual  duty  on 
the  wearers  of  watches,  it  was  resolved  unanimously  that  the  intended 
tax  on  watches  and  clocks  was  partial  and  oppressive  and  would  be  the 
means  of  annihilating  the  trade,  and  depriving  many  thousands  of 
manufacturers  of  employ  ;  besides  the  object  of  it  would  be  entirely 
defeated  by  its  lessening  the  number  of  clocks  and  watches  manu- 
factured, and  would  consequently  diminish  the  annual  duty  on  gold  and 
silver  cases.  The  watchmakers  in  and  about  Edinburgh  do  therefore 
agree  to  join  in  all  legal  and  constitutional  measures  to  prevent  the  Act 
passing  into  law  and  appointed  a  committee  to  correspond  with  the 
manufacturers  of  London  and  other  cities  in  England." 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  297 

"In  the  town  of  Peebles  15  clocks,  19  silver,  and  2 
gold  watches.  In  the  country  part  of  the  parish,  4 
clocks,  5  silver  and  no  gold  watches.  In  the  whole 
county,  town,  and  parish  of  Peebles  included,  106  clocks 
112  silver,  and  35  gold  watches. — CHAMBERS'S  History  of 
Peeblesshire. 

PEET,  THOMAS.    Bow,  Stirling,  1820. 
PEN,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1696. 

Booked  journeyman  to  Andrew  Brown,  I2th 
November  1696. 

PENMAN,  ROBERT.     High  Street,  Dunfermline,  1820. 
PENNECUIK,  JAMES.     Glasgow,  1791. 
PETERKIN,  J.     Mint,  Edinburgh,  1825. 

Clock  Dial  Maker. 
PETERS,  DAVID.     84  High  Street,  Arbroath,  1837. 

PETRIE,  JOHN  &   WILLIAM.     New   Deer,  Aberdeenshire, 
1846. 

PETTIGREW,    JOHN,    or     PETTYGREW.     Portsburgh, 
Edinburgh,  1780-1804. 

"  Stolen  from  James  Anderson's  house,  West  Pans, 
near  Musselburgh,  a  silver  watch,  maker's  name  John 
Pettygrew,  Edinburgh,  No.  i.  Whoever  will  restore 
the  said  watch  to  John  Pettygrew,  watchmaker,  Ports- 
burgh,  Edinburgh,  or  to  James  Anderson,  West  Pans, 
shall  receive  one  guinea  reward." — Caledonian  Mercury, 
6th  June  1780. 

"  Rachel    Pettigrew   or    Reid,   wife   of    John    Reid 
Glasgow,  served  Heir  of  Provision  and  General  to  her 
brother,  John  Pettigrew,  watchmaker,  Edinburgh,  dated 
24th    February    1804.      Recorded   4th    March    1804."- 
Services  of  Heirs. 

PHILLIP,  ALEXANDER.    Glasgow,  1803. 

PHILLIP,   ALEXANDER.     6oB  Princes   Street,  Edinburgh, 
1814-37. 

"  Lost  on  Saturday  last,  betwixt  Edinburgh  and 
Kirkliston,  a  Cairngorm  Seal  set  in  gold  and  engraved 
D.C.,  also  a  small  pebble  seal  and  gold  key.  Whoever 
may  have  found  the  same,  and  will  return  it  to  Mr 


298  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

Mackenzie,  Red  Lion   Inn,  Linlithgow,  or   Mr   Phillip, 
watchmaker,    Greenside    Street,    Edinburgh,    shall    be 
handsomely   rewarded." — Edinburgh    Evening    Courant, 
2ist  April   1814. 
PHILLIP,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1796-1846. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Robert  Green,  nth  March  1796. 
Discharged  of  his  indentures  I3th  May  1803. 

"William  Phillip,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker,  27 
Thistle  Street,  respectfully  intimates  to  his  friends  and 
the  public  that  he  has  removed  from  35  Thistle  Street, 
where  he  has  been  for  the  last  six  years,  to  a  larger  and 
more  commodious  shop  in  the  same  street,  three  doors 
further  east,  in  which  he  continues  to  carry  on  the 
business  of  clock  and  watch  making  in  all  its  branches 
and  will  endeavour  to  merit  a  share  of  the  public 
favour  by  unremitting  attention  and  moderate  charges. 
William  Phillip  was  for  12  years  previous  to  the  death 
of  the  late  Mr  George  Watson,  watchmaker  and  jeweller, 
High  Street,  the  sole  person  employed  by  him  in  his 
clock  and  watch  making  department.  On  this  ground 
he  presumes  to  solicit  the  patronage  of  Mr  Watson's 
former  customers.  W.  P.  continues  to  repair  musical 
boxes,  and  has  at  present  for  sale  a  Musical  Box, 
Geneva  made,  superior  to  any  that  are  usually  brought 
to  this  country,  the  keys  have  a  range  of  seven  octaves, 
and  the  chime  barrel  is  adapted  for  the  four  following 
tunes  : — '  Kinloch,  Tirohorme  Ditanti,  Palpiti,  and  Chant 
du  Crone.'  To  be  sold  at  a  greatly  reduced  price."- 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant^  7th  August  1824. 

"William  Phillip  begs  to  intimate  to  his  numerous 
employers  and  the  public  in  general  that  he  has  just 
removed  from  his  premises  in  Thistle  Street,  in  which  he 
has  been  for  many  years,  to  that  large  corner  shop, 
No.  50  Hanover  Street  (corner  of  Thistle  Street),  which 
he  has  opened  with  a  complete  assortment  of  everything 
connected  with  that  line  of  business.  Having  thus 
procured  the  most  ample  accommodation  for  carrying  on 
his  business,  W.  P.  hopes  to  secure  by  steadiness  and 
attention  a  continuance  of  -the  patronage  he  has  hitherto 
so  largely  experienced  and  for  which  he  takes  this 
opportunity  of  expressing  his  thanks.  W.  P.  can  at 
present  recommend  with  confidence  his  stock  of  Gold 
and  Silver  watches,  particularly  those  with  the  detached 
lever  escapement,  which  from  experience  he  can  warrant 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  299 

to  give  the  most  complete  satisfaction.  The  greatest 
attention  given  as  formerly  to  the  repairing  and  cleaning 
of  Clocks  and  Watches  and  Musical  Boxes  of  every 
description." — Ibid.,  22nd  July  1826. 

"William  Phillip  begs  to  inform  his  friends  and  the 
public  that  he  intends  removing  to  No.  48  Hanover 
Street,  only  two  doors  south  from  his  present  shop,  same 
side,  and  to  make  room  for  an  entire  new  assortment  of 
goods  which  he  purposes  to  open  his  new  shop  with,  he 
will  this  day  commence  a  sale  of  his  present  stock  of 
clocks  and  watches  at  greatly  reduced  prices.  The 
Clocks  and  Watches  are  in  a  variety  of  escapements  and 
warranted  of  the  very  best  workmanship." — Ibid.,  I4th 
February  1831. 

"  Some  days  ago  a  robbery  was  committed  in  the 
shop  of  Mr  Phillip,  watchmaker,  Hanover  Street,  under 
the  following  circumstances.  Mr  Phillip  had,  while  at 
his  dinner,  left  his  shop  in  the  charge  of  his  apprentice, 
a  lad  between  15  and  16  years  of  age.  One  of  the 
workmen  sent  out  the  boy  upon  a  pretended  message, 
and  during  his  absence  abstracted  four  gold  watches  and 
a  silver  one  from  a  glass  case.  On  the  boy  returning  he 
discovered  what  had  taken  place  and  accused  the  man 
of  the  theft.  This  the  latter  denied  for  some  time,  until 
finding  the  boy  resolute  in  his  statement  he  decamped 
the  shop,  followed  by  his  accuser,  who,  however,  lost 
sight  of  him  at  the  corner  of  St  David  St.  Information 
of  the  circumstances  was  immediately  communicated  to 
the  police  and  every  effort  has  been  made  to  discover 
the  delinquent  but  hitherto  without  success." — Ibid., 
25th  June  1846. 

PHINN,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh,  1761. 

Engraver  of  clock  dials  ;  was  in  business  east  wing  of 
New  Exchange,  High  Street,  Edinburgh. 

PICKEN,  CHARLES.     Edinburgh,  1784-1800. 

"Bound  apprentice  to  William  Thomson,  i$th  June 
1784.  The  incorporation  gave  their  consent  that  Charles 
Picken,  apprentice  to  the  deceased  William  Thomson, 
serving  out  the  remainder  of  his  indentures  with  James 
Howden,  7th  May  1785.  Discharged  of  his  indentures 
23rd  July  1791." — E.H.  Records. 

"Janet  Picken  or  Smellie,  widow  of  Charles 


300  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

watchmaker,  Edinburgh,  served  Co-heir  of  Provision 
General  to  Allan  Boyd,  Maltster  in  Lanark,  dated  25th 
December  1800.  Recorded  2nd  January  1801." — 
Services  of  Heirs. 

PICKEN,  JOHN.     Leith,  1822-30. 

PICKEN,  JOHN.  8  Gilmour  Street,  Edinburgh,  1796-1850. 
"  Bound  apprentice  to  James  Howden,  2Qth  March 
1796.  Compeared  on  3Oth  April  1808,  and  produced 
his  essay,  a  clock  movement,  begun,  made,  and  finished 
in  his  own  shop,  in  presence  of  James  Howden,  landlord, 
Robert  Green,  James  Paterson  and  John  Sibbald,  essay 
masters,  as  they  declared,  etc." — E.  H.  Records. 

PICKEN,  THOMAS.     114  West  Bow,  Edinburgh,  1813-1850. 
Bound  apprentice  to  John  Picken,   iSth  June   1813. 
Discharged  of  his  indentures  3ist  July  1820. 

PINCHBECK,  EDWARD.     Edinburgh,  1745. 

No  apology  is  needed  in  introducing  the  man's  name 
among  the  lists  of  Scottish  Clockmakers,  seeing  the 
metal  or  alloy  called  Pinchbeck  gold  was  well  known 
and  used  all  over  Scotland.  The  fact  that  the  above 
individual,  son  of  Christopher  Pinchbeck,  the  inventor 
of  the  metal,  was  resident  for  some  little  time  in  Edin- 
burgh, has  hitherto  escaped  notice.  We  give  his  own 
words  in  the  advertisements  which  follow,  and  may 
mention  that  the  year  he  was  in  Edinburgh  was  a 
time  of  great  anxiety  to  all  business  men,  owing  to  the 
rumours  in  the  city  of  the  approach  of  Prince  Charles 
Stuart  and  his  army.  No  doubt  that  this  factor  must 
have  occasioned  Edward  Pinchbeck  some  anxiety,  which 
is  easily  seen  in  his  determination  to  quit  Edinburgh, 

"  Pinchbeck,  Toyman,  from  the  Musical  Clock  in 
Cheapside,  London.  To  prevent  the  great  impositions 
that  have  a  long  while  been  carried  on  by  persons 
who  deal  to  and  in  this  city  and  pretend  to  have  and 
sell  the  true  Pinchbeck  metal,  though  they  have  not 
one  grain,  Mr  Pinchbeck  has  himself  taken  a  shop  at 
the  Head  of  the  Canongate,  the  corner  of  Leith  Wynd, 
where  Gentlemen,  Ladies,  and  Merchants  may  be 
accommodated  with  any  sorts  of  toys  in  his  curious 
metal  (the  particular  properties  of  which  are  such  that 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  301 

where  the  same  care  is  taken  with  it  in  the  wear  as  with 
gold,  it  answers  the  same  end  in  every  respect,  and  so 
nearly  resembles  it  in  all  its  most  beautiful  capabilities 
that  it  has  often  deceived  the  best  judges  even  on  the 
touchstone). 

"Chased  and  Plain  Watches,  Snuff  Boxes,  Tweezer 
Cases,  Pocket  Cases,  Toothpick  Cases,  Canes  and  Cane- 
Heads,  Swords  and  Sword  Hilts,  Buckles,  Coat  and 
Sleeve  Buttons,  Seals,  Thimbles,  Stay  Hooks,  Rings, 
Earrings,  Trinkets  for  ladies'  watches,  such  as  Hearts, 
Buckles,  Eggs,  Globes,  Acorns,  Tuns,  Bottles,  and,  in 
short,  anything  in  his  metal  that  is  made  either  in  Gold 
or  Silver  by  the  best  workmen  and  in  the  neatest 
manner. 

"  N.B. — He  allows  half-a-crown  an  ounce  for  his 
metal  as  usual  and  buys  old  gold  and  silver  or  any 
curious  stones." — Caledonian  Mercury,  I4th  January 
1745- 

"  This  is  to  acquaint  the  public  that  Mr  Pinchbeck,  at 
the  Head  of  the  Canongate,  the  corner  of  Leith  Wynd, 
being  sent  for  home  with  all  expedition  on  very  urgent 
business,  and  as  there  are  no  ships  immediately  bound 
from  this  place  for  London  with  a  proper  convoy,  so  that 
he  cannot  at  present  have  an  opportunity  of  sending  his 
goods  to  London,  and  as  the  leaving  of  them  here  will 
be  of  great  loss  to  him,  he  begs  leave  to  give  this 
public  notice  to  all  gentlemen,  ladies,  and  merchants, 
that  he  will  dispose  of  what  goods  he  has  remaining 
under  prime  cost. 

"N.B. — He  will  have  no  longer  time  to  dispose  of 
them  than  till  the  i6th  of  next  month,  he  being  obliged 
to  set  out  next  day  for  London." — Ibid.,  8th  March  1745. 

"  That  as  Mr  Pinchbeck,  at  the  Head  of  the  Canon- 
gate,  having  formerly  advertised  of  his  departure  from 
this  place  to  London  some  time  last  week,  yet  as  he 
had  been  imposed  upon  in  bargaining  about  a  certain 
particular,  and  in  seeking  redress  for  such  an  imposition, 
he  being  a  stranger  has  been  used  in  a  very  harsh  and 
arbitrary  manner.  He  therefore  is  advised  to  stay 
longer  here  in  order  to  have  justice  done  him  agreeably 
to  the  laws  of  the  country,  and  it  is  upon  this  account 
only  he  acquaints  the  publick  of  his  former  advertisement 
at  the  usual  place  where  Gentlemen,  Ladies,  and  others 
will  be  attended  as  usual." — Ibid.,  25th  March  1745. 


302  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

PINKERTON,  JOHN.     Haddington,  1804-50. 

PIRRIE,   JOHN.     I    King   Street,    Perth,    1820;    appointed 
receiving  postmaster  1848;  died  6th  February  1857. 

PIRRIE,  J.     Cullen,  1830-50;  died  about  1870. 

Made  the  town  clock  in  Cullen,  and  the  turret  clock 
of  the  Home  Farm,  Cullen  House. 

PITCAIRN    &    ROBERTSON.      9   Wellmeadows    Street, 

Paisley,  1836. 
POARSON,  EMMANUEL.    Edinburgh,  1700. 

Booked  journeyman  to  Paul  Romieu,  1700. 

POLWARTH,  WILLIAM.     Dunse,  1825. 

"William  Polwarth,  watchmaker  in  Dunse,  served 
Heir  in  General  to  his  brother,  John  Polwarth,  Purser, 
R.N.,  dated  9th  June  1825.  Recorded  i?th  June  1825." 
— Services  of  Heirs. 

PORTER,  ROBERT.     Polwarth  Street,  Galston,  1850. 
POTTS,  JAMES.     Western    Lane,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  1806. 
POURIE,  HENRY.     Bridgend,  Perth,  1820. 
POWRIE,  HENRY.     Edinburgh  and  Glasgow,  1822-37. 

"  Henry  Powrie,  Glasgow,  once  watchmaker,  Edin- 
burgh, served  Heir  of  Provision  Genera]  to  his  wife, 
G.  Richardson,  widow  of  Alexander  Skae,  Edinburgh, 
dated  6th  December  1837.  Recorded  i8th  December 
1 8  3  7- " — Services  of  Heirs. 

POZZIE,  JOSEPH  (POZZIE  &  STEWART).     Elgin,   sub- 
sequent to  1820. 

PRINGLE,  ADAM.     Bristo  Street,  Edinburgh,  1794-1820. 

"  Lost  on  Wednesday  last  betwixt  Dicksons'  Nursery 
and  the  foot  of  Leith  Walk,  a  metal  watch,  outer  case 
covered  with  tortoise-shell,  maker's  name  Jno.  Rayley, 
No.  3681.  If  the  same  is  offered  for  sale  to  watch- 
makers or  others,  please  acquaint  Mr  Pringle,  watch- 
maker, Bristo  Street,  or  give  notice  thereof  at  the 
Printing  Office." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  23rd 
May  1801. 

"There  was  lost  upon  the  9th  of  October  current, 
near  the  Grange  Toll,  a  gold  watch,  indented  outer  case, 
caped  and  jewelled,  maker's  name  James  Howden, 
Edinburgh,  No.  73 1,  with  two  gold  seals  and  a  steel  chain. 
Whoever  has  found  the  said  watch  shall  receive  Three 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  303 

Guineas  of  reward  and  no  questions  asked.  Apply  to 
Mr  Pringle,  watchmaker)  Bristo  Street,  Edinburgh.  It  is 
requested  that  any  person  to  whom  the  said  watch  may 
be  offered  will  detain  her."— Ibid.,  I3th  October  1808. 

PRINGLE,  GEORGE.     Edinburgh,  1793-1822. 

Bound   apprentice   to   Thomas   Reid,  loth   January 
I793- 
PRINGLE,  GEORGE  &  SON.     High  Street,  Edinburgh,  1822. 

"EDINBURGH  WOODEN  AND  MUSICAL  CLOCK 
MANUFACTORY,  227  High  Street,  Edinburgh. — George 
Pringle  and  Son  respectfully  intimate  that  they  have  now 
on  sale  at  moderate  charges  an  excellent  assortment  of 
wooden  clocks  both  foreign  and  of  their  own  manufacture. 
G.  P.  and  Son  have  at  present  for  sale  an  elegant  musical 
clock  just  finished,  which  plays  a  variety  of  the  most 
favourite  Scots  Airs.  From  the  superiority  of  the 
workmanship  they  flatter  themselves  that  upon  inspec- 
tion, both  as  to  the  music  and  mechanism,  this  article 
will  give  the  utmost  satisfaction.  Clocks  of  all  kinds 
made  and  repaired  on  reasonable  terms.  Orders  from 
the  country  punctually  attended  to." — Scotsman,  2 1st 
May  1825. 

"  George  Pringle  and  Son  respectfully  intimate  to 
their  friends  and  the  public  that  they  carry  on  the 
above  business  in  all  its  branches — Kitchen  and  Alarm 
Clocks,  Musical  and  Fancy  do.,  in  great  variety. 
Musical  Clocks  and  Barrel  Organs  repaired  and  set  to 
new  music.  G.  P.  and  Son  have  at  present  for  sale  a 
superior  musical  clock  having  an  eight-day  movement 
elegantly  fitted  up  in  a  mahogany  case  of  the  Gothic 
order,  which  performs  a  variety  of  Scots  Airs.  As  a 
prejudice  exists  that  such  articles  cannot  be  made  nor 
repaired  by  others  than  foreigners,  G.  P.  and  Son,  to 
obviate  such,  have  only  to  invite  an  inspection  of  their 
stock." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  5th  November 
1825. 

PRINGLE,  JAMES.     Dalkeith,  1763. 

PRINGLE,  THOMAS.  Edinburgh;  died  at  54  Bristo  Street, 
4th  June  1825.  We  have  been  unable  to  ascertain  to 
which  family  of  Edinburgh  clockmakers  he  belonged. 

PRINGLE,  THOMAS.  Dalkeith,  1830-36.  Business  con- 
tinued by  his  widow. 


304  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

PRINGLE,    WILLIAM.      99    Nicolson    Street,    Edinburgh, 
1825-36. 

PROCTER,  ALEXANDER.     Tarland,  1837. 

PROCTER,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1749. 

"  Seal  Cutter  and  Lapidary  near  the  Palace  of 
Holyrood  House,  first  close  within  the  Strand,  north  side 
of  the  street.  Cuts  stones  of  all  sorts  for  Watch  Cases, 
Snuff  Boxes,  Rings  and  Ear-rings,  Coat,  Vest,  and  Sleeve 
Buttons,  according  to  his  employers'  fancies.  Daily 
customers  served  pretty  quickly  by  his  having  plenty  of 
hands  at  work  and  a  good  collection  always  by  him 
ready  to  cut." — Caledonian  Mercury,  22nd  August  1749. 

PURDOUNE,  ANDREW.     Glasgow,  1657.     See  page  162. 

PURVES,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1539. 

This  individual  is  one  of  the  first  Scottish  clock- 
makers  we  have  authentic  history  about.  For  the  notes 
on  the  Common  Clocks  of  the  burghs  of  Aberdeen, 
Dundee,  and  Stirling,  his  name  occurs  there  as  either 
making  or  repairing  the  public  clocks  of  these  respective 
towns.  That  this  is  the  same  craftsman  mentioned  in 
each  is  without  doubt,  and  it  is  singular  that  his  name 
should  turn  up  in  the  records  of  these  places.  Where 
he  was  a  native  of  we  have  been  unable  to  trace,  but 
all  the  evidence  available  points  to  him  as  being  a 
native  and  burgess  of  Edinburgh.  This  latter  fact  is 
brought  out  in  the  contract  regarding  the  Dundee 
clock,  but  it  may  be  noted  that  the  burgess-ship  con- 
ferred there  was  invariably  bestowed  at  that  period  on 
craftsmen  who  were  brought  to  any  particular  town  on 
special  work,  so  as  to  bring  them  into  line,  so  to  speak, 
with  the  incorporations  already  established  there. 
From  an  inspection  of  the  Edinburgh  Hammermen* s 
Records  we  find  that  a  William  Purves  was  appointed 
to  a  responsible  post  in  the  management  of  that  craft  in 
1541-42.  This  accords  with  his  movements  as  recorded 
in  the  Aberdeen  notes,  and  although  his  name  does  not 
turn  up  again  in  the  Edinburgh  records,  this  can  be 
accounted  for  by  his  travels  over  all  the  country,  ful- 
filling the  contracts  which  he  executed.  He  probably 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  305 

died  before  1 560,  as  in  the  notes  on  the  Town  Clocks 
of  Edinburgh  it  will  be  observed  that  the  magistrates 
entered  into  a  contract  with  a  craftsman  in  Leith  to 
perform  the  work,  the  surmise  being  that  Purves  was 
dead  and  no  other  capable  man  was  available  in  the 
city  to  carry  out  the  repairs. 

Be  this  as  it  may,  there  is  no  question  that  William 
Purves  was  a  man  of  great  ingenuity  and  skill,  as  may 
be  seen  in  the  specification  of  the  clock  made  for  Dundee 
in  1547,  and  his  name  must  be  held  in  respect  as  one 
who,  so  far  as  can  be  gleaned,  did  his  part  in  the 
furtherance  of  the  welfare  and  convenience  of  his  country 
and  fellow-citizens  by  his  useful  labours. 

PYOT,   JAMES.     West   Bow,   Edinburgh,  1796;   afterwards 
removed  to  Shore,  Leith;  at  St  Bernard's  Street,  1829. 

RAE,  REV.  PETER.     Kirkconnel,  1703-48. 

Made  the  astronomical  chime  clock  in  Drumlanrig 
Castle. 

RAIT,  D.  C.     1 6  Argyll  Street,  Glasgow,  1841. 

RAMAGE,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1780-1820. 

"  Bound  apprentice  to  James  Gray,  I7th  August 
1780.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  I5th  September 
1787.  Admitted  freeman  of  the  Incorporation  of 
Edinburgh  Hammermen  1797." — E.  H.  Records. 

"Lost  on  the  night  of  Wednesday  the  25th  current, 
between  the  Canongate  head  and  the  Grassmarket,  a 
silver  watch,  maker's  name  Gregory  Dublin,  No.  1772. 
Whoever  has  found  the  same  will,  upon  delivering  it  up 
to  Mr  Ramage,  watchmaker,  Lawnmarket,  Edinburgh, 
receive  a  handsome  reward." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  3Oth  October  1809. 

"  Lost  or  stolen  a  small  gold  watch,  with  a  gold 
engine,  turned  case,  capped  and  jewelled,  maker's  name 
Samuel  Brown,  Edinburgh,  No.  583  ;  had  a  gold  crib 
chain  and  a  cairngorm,  with  a  crest  and  motto.  Any 
person  who  has  found  the  same  and  will  return  it  to  James 
Ramage,  No.  61  Cowgate,  will  be  handsomely  rewarded, 
and  any  person  to  whom  it  may  be  offered  to  sale  or 
pawn  is  requested  to  stop  it  and  inform  the  above."— 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  3rd  March  1817. 

U 


306  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

RAMSAY,  DAVID.     Dundee  and  London,  1600-50. 

This  maker,  celebrated  in  his  day  as  being  clock- 
maker  to  his  Majesty  King  James  VI.  of  Scotland  and 
I.  of  England,  also  has  the  further  honour  of  being 
introduced  by  Sir  Walter  Scott  as  a  character  in  The 
Fortunes  of  Nigel. 

Considerable  licence  has  been  taken  by  Sir  Walter 
in  his  treatment  of  David  Ramsay,  as  will  be  seen  by 
the  extracts  following  from  the  Calendar  of  State  Papers, 
which  does  not  warrant  the  somewhat  lowly  position  he 
is  made  to  fill.  His  picture  of  him  as  being  an  old  man 
with  a  tall,  thin,  lathy  skeleton,  extending  his  lean  jaws 
into  an  alarming  grin,  hardly  portrays  the  kind  of  man 
who  was  promoted  to  be  a  Page  of  the  Royal  Bed- 
chamber. One  naturally  associates  such  appointments 
as  being  occupied  by  men  who  were  suited  in  every 
respect  to  the  honourable  post  they  were  called  to///, 
and  not  to  men  whose  peculiarities,  as  quoted  by  Sir 
Walter,  would  make  it  an  impossibility  for  any  in  such 
a  position  to  carry  out. 

Where  he  learned  the  craft  has  not  been  recorded, 
but  Dundee  is  credited  as  being  the  town  from  which  he 
came.  In  the  notes  on  Dundee  Public  Clocks  mention 
is  made  of  a  family  of  the  name  of  Ramsay,  who  for 
a  long  period  had  the  contract  and  care  of  the  town 
clocks,  and  it  is  believed  that  David  Ramsay  was  either 
a  member  of  this  family  or  closely  related  to  them. x 

In  all  probability  he  learned  the  art  in  France,  as 
the  specimens  of  his  work,  which  are  now  preserved  in 
the  British  and  South  Kensington  Museums,  bear  out. 
One  significant  fact,  warranting  the  assumption  that  he 
worked  abroad,  is  afforded  by  the  watch  preserved  in 
the  South  Kensington  Museum,  which  has  engraved  on 
the  hinged  covers  of  the  front  and  back  the  Annunciation 
and  the  Nativity.  This,  it  is  needless  to  say,  would  not 
have  been  the  case  if  it  had  been  made  in  Scotland,  as 

1  Sir  Walter  Scott,  however,  gives  Dalkeith  as  his  native  place,  but 
this,  of  course,  is  to  make  it  fit  in  with  the  Ramsays  of  Dalhousie, 
of  which  family  the  King  (see  chapter  xxxvii.)  was  determined  to  make 
David  Ramsay  a  member. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  307 

the  reaction  against  everything  savouring  of  Popery 
would  have  made  it  a  difficult  matter  to  dispose  of  at 
that  period.  The  watch  in  the  British  Museum  has  the 
period  1 600-10  assigned  as  the  date  of  its  manufacture, 
while  this  one,  and  another  supposed  to  have  belonged 
to  James  I.,  have  each  inscribed  on  them  "David 
Ramsay,  Scotus,  me  fecit,"  a  designation  which  would 
have  been  otherwise  if  he  had  made  them  in  a  particular 
town  in  Scotland. 

We  assume  that  he  returned  from  his  foreign 
sojourn  and  making  his  way  to  London  direct,  had 
specimens  of  his  handiwork  submitted  for  inspection 
by  the  King,  who,  no  doubt,  glad  to  have  such  a  capable 
craftsman  near  him,  took  him  under  his  patronage. 
The  following  extracts  from  the  Calendar  of  State  Papers 
show  his  progress  : — 

2$th  November  1613. — "Grant  to  David  Ramsay, 
Clockmaker  Extraordinary,  of  a  pension  of  £$o  per 
annum." 

1616. — "  Warrant  to  pay  David  Ramsay,  Clockmaker, 
£2 34,  i os.,  due  to  him  for  purchase  and  repair  of  clocks 
and  watches  for  the  King." 

1618. — "Grant  to  David  Ramsay  of  the  office  of 
Chief  Clockmaker  to  the  King,  with  fees  and  allowances 
for  workmanship." 

2^th  July  1619. — "  Grant  to  David  Ramsay,  the  King's 
Clockmaker,  born  in  Scotland  of  denization  "  (in  Latin). 

3O//*  March  1622. — "  Warrant  to  pay  David  Ramsay, 
Clockmaker,  .£113  for  work  for  the  late  Prince  Henry 
and  for  watches  and  clocks  for  the  King." 

$oth  September  1622. — "Warrant  to  pay  £232,  155., 
to  David  Ramsay,  the  King's  clockmaker,  for  repairing 
clocks  at  Theobalds,  Oatlands,  and  Westminster,  and 
for  making  a  chime  of  bells  adjoining  to  the  clock  at 
Theobalds." 

2$th  January  1626. — "Warrant  to  pay  to  David 
Ramsay,  for  coins  to  be  given  by  the  King  at  the 
close  of  his  coronation." 


308  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

i; 'th  March  1627. — "Warrant  to  pay  to  David 
Ramsay,  Page  of  the  Bedchamber  and  clockmaker, 
£44 1,  3s.  4d.  for  work  done  for  his  late  Majesty,  and 
£358,  i6s.  8d.,  in  lieu  of  diet  and  bouche  of  court." 

loth  July  1628. — "Warrant  to  pay  to  David 
Ramsay,  £415  for  clocks  and  other  necessaries  de- 
livered for  the  King's  service." 

1632. — "Warrant  to  pay  David  Ramsay,  clock- 
maker,  on  his  bills  for  one  year  £2 19." 

These  authentic  notices  give  in  a  marked  degree 
the  esteem  and  patronage  bestowed  on  him  by  his 
royal  patrons,  and  these,  along  with  the  specimens  of 
his  skill  that  are  in  existence  yet,  show  him  to  have 
been  not  only  a  capable  craftsman  but  a  good  business 
man  as  well.  This  is  emphasised  by  the  fact  that  on 
the  foundation  of  the  Clockmakers'  Company  of  London 
by  Royal  Charter,  22nd  August  1631,  David  Ramsay 
was  appointed  by  this  charter  the  first  master  to  hold 
office.  He  died  about  1650,  but  his  age  has  not  been 
recorded. 

RAMSAY,   MARK.      Watch-case  maker,  Canongate,  Edin- 
burgh, 1795. 

RAMSAY,    PATRICK,  JOHN,    AND    SILVESTER.     Dundee, 

1599-1646. 
See  notes  on  Dundee  Town  Clocks,  page  125. 

RAMSAY,  ROBERT.     67  High  Street,  Dumfries,  1816-23. 
RANKEN,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1791. 

Bound  apprentice  to  George  Skelton,  26th  January 
1791. 

RANKIN,    ALEXANDER.     10    William    Street,    Greenock, 
1836. 

RANKIN,  JOHN.     Old  Cumnock,  1789. 
RANKINE,  JOHN.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1761. 

Apprenticed  to  Andrew  Clark,  6th  June  1761. 
RANKINE,  J.  &  W.     Sorn,  1798. 
RAN N IE,  ALEXANDER.    TurrifT,  1836. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  309 

REED,  ANDREW.    Sanquhar,  1798. 

REED,  WILLIAM.     Native   of  Montrose ;    died   at  White- 
haven,  1815. 

REED,    WILLIAM.     Watch-glass   maker,  92    High   Street, 
Edinburgh,  1837. 

REDPATH, .     Kelso,  1835. 

REDPATH,  HENRY,     i  Bow,  Stirling,  1787-1820. 
REID,  ALEXANDER.    Edinburgh,  1790. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Thomas  Reid,  24th  July  1790. 

REID,   ANDREW.     Biggar;  died  2nd  August  1860,  in  the 
93rd  year  of  his  age. 

REID,  DAVID.    95  Hutcheson  Street,  Glasgow,  1805-18. 

REID,  FRANCIS.     Saltmarket,  Glasgow,  1789-1806. 

"  Lost  on  Friday,  at  Paisley,  betwixt  the  Cross  and 
the  Race  Ground,  a  silver  watch,  with  a  steel  chain 
and  steel  seal,  with  the  initials  cut  J.  D.  on  it,  the  chain 
is  a  little  rusted,  maker's  name  Peter  Le  Roy,  London, 
No.  2720.  Whoever  will  return  the  said  watch  to 
Francis  Reid,  watchmaker,  Saltmarket,  Glasgow,  will 
receive  half  a  guinea  of  reward." — Glasgow  Courier,  I9th 
August  1800. 

"Lost  in  the  Trongate,  on  Thursday  the  I7th,  a 
silver  watch,  maker's  name  Joseph  Denton,  Hull,  No.  827. 
Whoever  will  bring  the  same  to  Francis  Reid,  watch- 
maker, No.  142  Saltmarket,  will  receive  a  reward  of 
one  guinea." — Glasgow  Courier \  25th  April  1806. 

REID,    FRANCIS    &    SONS.       142     Saltmarket,    Glasgow, 
1812-23. 

"  A  reward  of  Five  Guineas  is  hereby  offered  to  any 
person  who  will  return  the  gold  watch,  maker's  name 
Bracebridge,  London,  No.  14,598,  with  its  appendages, 
lost  by  a  gentleman  in  Bell  Street,  about  ten  o'clock  on 
Sunday  evening  last.  Apply  to  F.  Reid  &  Sons,  watch- 
makers, 142  Saltmarket,  Glasgow." — Glasgow  Courier \ 
I2th  July  1816. 

REID  &  H ALBERT,     u  Gallowgate,  Glasgow,  1823. 
REID  &  TOD.     i  Trongate,  Glasgow,  1828. 
REID,  JAMES.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1798. 


510  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

REID,  JAMES.  •  High  School  Yards,  Edinburgh,  1804. 
REID,  JOHN.    Glasgow,  1814. 

REID,  JOHN.     Bull's  Close,  Canongate,  Edinburgh,   1798- 
1806. 

REID,  JOHN.     13  Frederick  Street,  Edinburgh,  1819-36. 

REID,  JOHN.     Banff,  1721.     See  page  38. 

REID,  JOHN.     Sanquhar,  1837. 

REID,  ROBERT.    Glasgow,  1806. 

REID,  THOMAS.     Montrose,  1788. 

REID,  THOMAS.     Auchtermuchty,  1837. 

REID,    THOMAS.     Watch-case    maker,    Canongate,    Edin- 
burgh,   1788. 

REID,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh,  1762-1823. 

"  Bound  apprentice  to  James  Cowan,  9th  October 
1762.  Presented  a  petition  craving  to  be  admitted  a 
freeman  on  I4th  December  1781.  Compeared  on  I4th 
June  1782,  and  presented  his  essay,  being  a  plain  watch 
movement,  begun,  made  and  finished  in  his  own  shop,  in 
presence  of  Samuel  Brown,  landlord,  Robert  Aitchison, 
James  Howden,  and  Thomas  Sibbald,  essay  masters  as 
they  declared,  etc." — E.  H.  Records. 

The  above  is  all  the  official  information  that  is  to  be 
gleaned  about  him  from  the  Hammermen's  Records,  but, 
fortunately,  as  will  be  seen  further  on,  we  learn  that  he 
was  a  native  of  Dysart.  By  his  birthplace  he  thus  must 
be  classed  as  being  one  of  the  three  men  who  had  close 
connection  with  Fife,  and  who  distinguished  themselves 
in  the  science  and  art  of  Horology.  We  refer  to  John 
Smith,  Pittenweem,  and  Matthew  Parker,  Dunfermline, 
but  of  the  trio  Thomas  Reid  was  the  most  eminent  of 
them  all.  Apprenticed  at  the  age  of  sixteen  years,  his 
choice  of  James  Cowan  as  his  master  had  a  good  deal 
to  do  with  the  moulding  and  training  of  a  mind  singularly 
adapted  for  the  profession.  As  James  Cowan  was  also 
his  cousin,  this  may  account  for  the  interest  he  took  in 
his  apprentice,  which  resulted  in  the  apprentice  succeed- 
ing to  the  business  of  the  master,  when  the  latter  died 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  311 

in  1781.  Doubtless  this  succession  was  a  powerful 
factor  in  determining  Thomas  Reid's  career,  as  not 
unlikely  the  thought  of  possessing  a  business  so 
prosperous  as  Cowan's  nerved  him  to  acquire  all  the 
experience  and  training  he  could  during  his  eleven  years' 
residence  in  London. 

When  James  Cowan,  who  had  been  over  thirty 
years  in  business,  died,  Thomas  Reid's  opportunity 
arrived,  and  he  issued  the  following  advertisement  in 
the  Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  of  the  date  28th 
November  1781  : — 

"Thomas  Reid,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker,  from 
London,  takes  this  method  of  informing  the  friends 
and  customers  of  the  deceased  Mr  James  Cowan, 
Clock  and  Watch  Maker,  in  Edinburgh,  that  he  con- 
tinues the  business1  in  the  same  shop  as  formerly. 
As  T.  Reid  was  cousin  and  apprentice  to  Mr  Cowan, 
and  has  for  eleven  years  resided  in  London,  where, 
after  having  received  the  instructions  of  the  first 
masters  in  that  profession,  did  carry  on  business  and 
was  employed  in  the  execution  of  the  first-rate  work 
there,  he  makes  no  doubt  of  giving  entire  satisfaction 
to  his  employers." 

This  modest  announcement  is  remarkable  as  showing 
the  confidence  he  had  in  himself  of  being  a  worthy 
successor  to  a  person  who  had  carried  on  one  of  the  best 
known  businesses  in  Edinburgh.  That  this  confidence 
was  not  misjudged,  speedily  brought  him  into  public 
favour.  How  rapidly  his  reputation  rose,  is  seen  by  his 
selection  by  his  fellow-citizens  to  construct  the  first 
clock  for  the  spire  of  St  Andrew's  Parish  Church,  George 
Street,  Edinburgh,  in  1788,  and  this  having  given  great 
satisfaction,  he  was  commissioned  to  carry  out  the 
extensive  alterations  and  repairs  of  the  clock  of  St  Giles' 
Kirk  (q.v.)  in  1797.  He  took  special  pains  with  these 
two  clocks,  the  result  being  that  in  a  retrospect  forty 
years  after,  he  expresses  satisfaction  at  their  perform- 

1  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  it  is  his  shop  that  is  represented  in 
the  left-hand  corner  of  the  well-known  picture  of  "The  Parliament 
Close  in  the  Olden  Time"  now  hanging  in  the  Lord  Provost's  room, 
City  Chambers,  Edinburgh. 


312  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

ance.  He  erected  clocks  not  only  in  Edinburgh  but  all 
over  the  country.  Two  which  he  made  for  the  Town 
Hall,  Annan,  are  worthy  of  special  mention,  for  in  the 
making  of  the  movements  he  so  arranged  the  frames 
that  any  wheel  could  be  separately  lifted  out  without 
taking  the  clock  to  pieces  or  removing  any  of  the  other 
wheels.  Other  examples  of  his  skill  may  be  noted,  but 
particulars  will  be  found  of  some  of  his  most  famous 
productions  under  the  notes  on  Reid  and  Auld  (see 

P-  313). 

Having  a  high  ideal  of  his  profession,  his  own  words 
are  well  worth  quoting,  "  that  there  are  few  who  excel 
in  this  art,  as  in  those  of  sculpture,  painting,  or  engraving, 
which  are  called  fine  arts,  a  name  to  which  watchmaking 
is  in  every  sense  entitled  but  which  labours  under  the 
great  misfortune  in  not  being  properly  seen."  Endued 
with  such  a  high  standard,  his  thoughts  were  embodied 
in  a  number  of  scientific  articles  dealing  with  the 
problems  of  his  profession,  culminating  in  the  production 
of  his  treatise,  On  Clock  and  Watch  Making,  which  ran 
into  six  editions.  This  book  was  written  long  after  the 
allotted  span  of  life,  and  although  it  does  not,  from  its 
technical  nature,  appeal  to  the  ordinary  reader,  yet  from 
the  large  number  of  sources  from  which  he  quotes,  both 
home  and  foreign,  it  is  easily  seen  that  the  work  is  full 
of  the  observations  and  experiences  of  one  who  had 
a  minute  and  complete  acquaintance  with  his  art 
Having  retired  in  1823,  he  devoted  the  closing  years 
of  his  honourable  life  to  the  preparation  of  the  above 
treatise,  and,  after  a  busy  and  useful  life,  he  died  on  the 
24th  September  1831,  aged  eighty-five  years.  In  the  notes 
given  under  William  Auld,  p.  20,  a  full  description  is 
given  of  the  tombstone  erected  in  Calton  Burying 
Ground,  Edinburgh.  From  it  we  learn  that  Thomas 
Reid  married  the  widow  of  William  Auld,  printer,  who 
died  in  1777,  thus  making  William  Auld,  junior,  his 
stepson,  in  addition  to  being  his  partner.  The  admira- 
tion and  respect  for  Thomas  Reid  by  the  Auld  family  is 
brought  out  in  this  memorial  stone.  Content  to  record 
their  family  names  on  the  least  conspicuous  part  of  the 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  313 

monument,  the  whole  centre  panel  is  given  up  to  the 
following  inscription :— "  To  the  memory  of  Thomas 
Reid,  Esq.,  H.M.W.C.M.C.L.,  distinguished  in  his 
profession  as  an  eminent  watch  and  clock  maker. 
Author  of  a  Literary  and  Scientific  Work  on  Horology, 
etc.,  etc.  Born  at  Dysart,  Fife,  January  1746.  Died  at 
Edinburgh,  24th  September  1831." 

REID  &  AULD.  66  Princes  Street,  Edinburgh, 
1806-23. 

This  well-known  firm  was  enabled  by  the  skill  and 
experience  of  its  two  partners  (Thomas  Reid  and 
William  Auld)  to  occupy  a  very  high  place  in  the  art 
of  horology  in  Edinburgh.  Having  more  than  a  local 
fame,  it  is  safe  to  say  that  during  the  early  part  of 
the  nineteenth  century  the  name  of  Reid  &  Auld  was 
synonymous  with  high-class  work.  To  what  extent  the 
capabilities  of  the  two  were  devoted  to  their  productions 
is  difficult  now  to  tell,  both  being  practical  men,  but  it  is 
easily  seen  that  they  had  complete  satisfaction  in  their 
work,  it  being  an  art  congenial  to  them.  Thomas  Reid 
adopted  William  Auld  as  partner  in  1806,  the  business 
being  then  carried  on  in  the  quaint  old  shop  situated 
under  the  shade  of  St  Giles'  Kirk,  which  they  occupied 
till  1809,  when  they  announced : — "  Reid  and  Auld, 
having  removed  from  Parliament  Close  to  No.  33  Princes 
Street,  invite  attention  to  their  eight-day  weight  clocks 
and  regulators  for  astronomical  purposes.  They  also 
intimate  that  a  Transit  instrument  is  kept  for  the 
obtaining  of  true  time,  without  which  the  rate  of  the 
going  of  time-keepers  of  whatever  description  cannot  be 
well  ascertained,  etc." 

While  thus  mindful  of  the  ordinary  class  of  work,  yet 
it  is  to  the  manufacture  of  the  intricate  and  complex 
movements  known  as  astronomical  regulators  that  the 
firm  was  specially  famed.  At  least  three  of  these  are 
in  existence  yet,  and  though  they  have  performed  their 
useful  duties  for  nearly  a  century  they  seem  likely  to  do 
so  for  another.  A  short  account  of  two  of  those  is  now 
given,  the  one  being  a  description  of  a  very  excellent 


314  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

regulator  or  astronomical  clock  made  for  the  Right 
Honourable  Lord  Gray,  in  the  Observatory,  Kinfauns 
Castle:  — 

"  It  had  a  mercurial  compensation  pendulum,  and 
its  time  of  going  without  winding  was  forty-five  days. 
The  pivots  of  the  great  wheel,  the  second  wheel,  and 
the  swing  wheel  are  run  on  rollers,  three  being  put  to 
each  pivot ;  the  pivots  of  the  centre  and  of  the  fourth 
wheel  run  in  holes  and  are  the  only  pivots  in  the  clock 
to  which  oil  is  applied.  The  pivots  of  the  said  centre 
and  fourth  wheel  would  have  been  run  on  rollers  also, 
but  not  choosing  to  go  further,  for  even,  with  those 
which  were  made  to  run  so,  the  trial  was  new  ;  besides, 
had  these  two  been  done,  it  would  have  required  such 
a  number  of  additional  pieces  as  in  the  end  would  have 
been  truly  appalling;  even  as  it  is  about  500  individual 
pieces  were  in  the  clock.  The  clock  has  been  going 
about  nine  years  with  a  close  and  steady  rate  of  time- 
keeping, during  which  it  has  not  required  the  smallest 
help,  even  of  cleaning." 

The  other  is  the  clock  made  for  the  Royal 
Observatory,  Calton  Hill,  Edinburgh.  It  has  the  same 
kind  of  escapement  and  pendulum  as  the  foregoing, 
goes  eight  days,  but  has  no  friction  rollers  in  any  part 
of  it.  It  has  been  going  upwards  of  ten  years1  without 
requiring  any  help  or  even  cleaning.  In  a  note  kindly 
forwarded  by  the  late  Professor  Copland,  Royal 
Observatory,  Blackford  Hill,  referring  to  this  last  clock, 
he  says  : — "  It  always  seems  to  have  been  rated  to  show 
mean  time,  and  was  eventually  employed  for  many 
years  to  drop  the  time  ball  on  Nelson's  Monument, 
Calton  Hill,  and  to  transmit  the  signal  to  the  time  gun 
at  Edinburgh  Castle.  It  is  provided  with  a  dead  beat 
escapement,  quicksilver  compensation  pendulum,  and 
still  keeps  excellent  time."  This  clock  became  the 
property  of  the  City  of  Edinburgh  in  1895,  and  is  still  in 
use  at  the  Observatory  on  Calton  Hill. 

These   two  clocks,  along  with  another  now  located 

1  It  was  made  in  the  year  1813. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  315 

in  the  Horological  Institute,  London,  are  sufficient 
testimony  to  the  skill  and  enterprise  of  the  firm  of 
Reid  &  Auld. 

They  continued  in  business  till  1823,  when  the 
following  advertisement  was  issued  : — 

"  Reid  and  Auld,  No.  66  Princes  Street,  return  their 
most  grateful  acknowledgments  to  their  friends  in 
particular,  and  to  the  public  in  general,  for  that  liberal 
patronage  which  they  have  received  for  many  years  and 
beg  to  inform  them  that,  intending  soon  to  retire  from 
business,  they  particularly  recommend  their  stock 
consisting  of  Gold,  Silver,  and  Metal  watches,  among 
which  are  some  most  excellent  Repeaters,  Regulators, 
Eight-day  and  Spring  Clocks  (some  of  which  are  fitted 
up  in  a  superior  manner),  an  eight-day  weight  quarter 
clock,  a  most  elegant  spring  quarter  organ  clock,  with 
different  barrels,  eight  tunes  on  each.  This  clock,  which 
would  be  a  most  superb  drawing-room  ornament,  is 
fitted  up  in  a  beautiful  rosewood  case  inlaid  with  brass 
ornaments,  is  well  worth  the  attention  of  the  public; 
indeed  the  whole  are  such  that,  in  all  probability,  their 
like  will  not  be  met  with  soon  again.  If  there  are 
any  debts  outstanding  against  the  company  they  may 
be  sent  in  immediately,  when  they  will  be  paid.  R.  and 
A.  beg  the  favour  that  payment  will  be  ordered  as  soon 
as  possible  of  all  accounts  due  to  them." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  loth  February  1823. 

No  one  appears  to  have  directly  succeeded  to  their 
business,  though  Thomas  Watt  (q.v.),  who  was  a  nephew 
of  Thomas  Reid,  solicited  the  support  of  the  customers 
of  the  late  firm.  Both  partners  lived  for  some  years 
after  their  retiral  from  active  business  life,  and,  as  can 
be  seen  in  the  separate  notes  on  the  two  men,  showed 
such  a  devotion  to  each  other  that  even  in  death  they 
were  not  divided  but  sleep  their  last  sleep  in  the  one 
tomb.  See  notes  on  William  Auld,  page  23,  for  account 
of  the  Reid  and  Auld  Bequest. 

REID,    THOMAS,    Watch     Glassmaker.     79     High    Street, 
Edinburgh,  1819. 

REID,  WILLIAM.    Edinburgh,  1781-1819. 

Bound  apprentice  to  James  Cowan,  1st  June  1781. 


316  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

REID,  WILLIAM  OTTO.      Biggar,  1820-49. 

Born  at  Sanquhar  4th  October  1820;  died  at  Biggar 
4th  October  1849. 

RENNIE,  ALEXANDER  DAVID.    65  High  Street,  Arbroath, 

1837- 

RENNIE,  ALEXANDER.     Turriff,  about  1835. 
RHIND,  THOMAS.     78  High  Street,  Paisley,  1836. 

RICHARDSON,  GEORGE.     Edinburgh,  1802. 

Discharged  of  his  indentures  by  Thomas  Reid, 
1 2th  February  1802. 

RICHARDSON,  WILLIAM.     Alloa,  1769-90. 

"WILLIAM  RICHARDSON,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker 
in  Alloa,  makes,  sells,  and  repairs  all  kinds  of  clocks 
and  watches.  He  likewise  makes  and  sells  the  best 
kinds  of  fishing  wheels  of  different  sorts  and  sizes  from 
one  shilling  and  eight  pence  to  fifteen  shillings,  also  all 
kinds  of  swivels  of  different  sizes.  Gentlemen  may  be 
served  on  proper  notice  with  any  of  the  above  articles  at 
a  reasonable  rate,  and  a  good  allowance  will  be  given  to 
merchants  who,  it  is  hoped,  will  be  particular  in  their 
directions  as  to  the  different  sizes  and  prices,  and  they 
shall  be  answered  with  the  utmost  despatch.  Apply  to 
Alloa  carrier,  at  Campbell  in  the  Grassmarket  of  Edin- 
burgh, who  arrives  on  Wednesday  and  goes  off  on 
Thursday  morning,  and  who  will  be  careful  to  deliver 
any  commissions  to  or  from  the  above  William 
Richardson. — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  2nd  April 
1774- 

RICHARDSON,  WILLIAM.    Balfron,  1828. 

"William  Richardson,  watchmaker,  Balfron,  served 
Heir  in  General  to  his  brother  John,  son  of  William 
Richardson,  watchmaker,  Alloa,  dated  iSth  June  1828. 
Recorded  25th  June  1828." — Services  of  Heirs. 

RICHARDSON,  WILLIAM.     Paisley,  1801. 

"  Married  at  Paisley  on  Monday  last  Mr  William 
Richardson,  watchmaker  there,  to  Miss  Margaret  Craig, 
only  daughter  of  the  late  Robert  Craig,  Esq.,  of 
Faulheads."— Scots  Magazine,  3Oth  September  1801, 


BRACKET  CLOCK, 

In  mahogany  case,  inlaid  with  brass,  with  seconds  and  calendar  dials,  dated  1841. 
By  James  Ritchie  &  Son,  Edinburgh,  1803.  The  property  of  the  North  British 
Railway  Co.,  Waterloo  Place,  Edinburgh.  (See  p.  317.) 


[To  face  page  316. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  31 T 

RICHARDSON,    WILLIAM.     Charles    Street,    Edinburgh, 

1793- 

Business  continued  by  his  widow  for  a  few  years 
later. 

RIDDEL,  CHARLES.    Old  Meldrum,  1800-37. 
RIDDEL,  D.  &  J.     72  Broad  Street,  Aberdeen,  1846. 
RIDDEL,  JAMES.     72  Broad  Street,  Aberdeen,  1853. 

RITCHIE, .     Dundee,  1831. 

RITCHIE,  ANDREW.    Edinburgh,  1822. 

Bound  apprentice  to  James  Clark,  5th  August  1822. 
RITCHIE,  GEORGE.     199  High  Street,  Arbroath,  1837. 

RITCHIE,  JAMES.     Leith  Street,  Edinburgh,  1805. 

The  earliest  mention  of  this  maker's  name  occurs 
not  in  the  Hammermen's  Records  but  in  the  Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant  of  the  date  of  7th  January  1805,  and  is 
as  follows  : — 

"  Married  here  on  the  28th  ult.,  Mr  James  Ritchie, 
watchmaker  in  Edinburgh,  to  Miss  Sally  Neill,  second 
daughter  of  Mr  Andrew  Neill,  builder  there." 

He  was  then  in  business  at  No.  29  Leith  Street, 
and  on  the  retirement  in  1819  of  Joseph  Durward  (q.v.), 
who  had  been  established  at  No.  2  for  forty  years,  he 
succeeded  to  his  connection  also.  About  1836  the  name 
appears  as  James  Ritchie  &  Son,  which  has  been  the 
designation  of  the  firm  down  to  the  present  day,  making 
it  the  oldest  watch  and  clock  making  business  in  the 
city  of  Edinburgh,  as  well  as  being  one  of  world-wide 
repute.  Their  prominence  in  electrically  controlled 
clocks  is  brought  out  in  the  list  of  the  awards  in  the 
Reid  and  Auld  bequest,  p.  24,  where  one  of  the 
partners  at  that  date  took  a  high  place.  The  new  clock 
in  St  Giles'  Cathedral  and  the  Bracket  Timepiece  in 
Brass  inlaid  case  (see  illustrations)  show  the  capabilities 
of  this  firm. 

RITCHIE,  JAMES.     Muthill,  1836. 
RITCHIE,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1765. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Samuel  Brown,  3rd  April  1765. 


318  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

RITCHIE,  JOHN.     Coupar  Angus,  1847. 
RITCHIE,  PETER.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1749. 
RITCHIE,  SAMUEL.     Forfar,  1800-37. 
RITCHIE,  THOMAS.     Cupar-Fife,  1833. 

ROBOLD,     ZEPRIAN    (German).      19    East    Quay    Lane, 
Greenock,  1836. 

ROBB,  WILLIAM.     Montrose,  1776. 

"Found  on  Saturday  last,  the  27th  July  current, 
between  Cramond  Bridge  and  Muttonhole  on  the 
Edinburgh  Road,  a  silver  watch.  It  is  imagined  this 
watch  has  lately  been  repaired,  as  there  is  a  clean  paper 
in  the  case  on  which  are  engraved  these  words,  Clocks 
and  Watches  by  William  Robb  in  Montrose.  The 
watch  is  lodged  with  William  Jamieson,  factor  on  the 
estate  of  Pitfarrane,  a  mile  west  from  Dunfermline,  and 
whoever  can  prove  the  property  shall  be  entitled  to  the 
watch  on  paying  expenses  of  advertising." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant^  3 1st  July  1776. 

ROBERTSON,  CHARLES.     Coupar  Angus,  1814-37. 
ROBERTSON,  DANIEL.     18  Arcade,  Glasgow,  1836. 
ROBERTSON,  DAVID.     109  High  Street,  Perth,  1837. 
ROBERTSON,  DAVID.     Edinburgh,  1741. 

Son  of  David  Robertson,  merchant  in   Edinburgh; 

booked   apprentice    to    Alexander  Brand,  I5th  August 

1741- 

ROBERTSON,  DUNCAN.     Blairgowrie,  1837. 
ROBERTSON,  EBENEZER.     Glasgow,  1801. 
ROBERTSON,  GEORGE.     Edinburgh,  1802. 

Bound  apprentice  to  James  Breakenrig,  5th   March 

1802. 

ROBERTSON,  GEORGE.     Dundee,  1806. 
ROBERTSON,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1758. 

Son  of  Hugh  Robertson,  residenter  in  Edinburgh; 
booked  apprentice  to  Samuel  Brown,  2Oth  July  1752. 

ROBERTSON,  JAMES.     Dundee,  1785. 
ROBERTSON,  JAMES.     High  Street,  Dundee,  1811-28. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  319 

ROBERTSON,  JAMES.     Perth,  1770. 

Booked  apprentice  to  James  Young. 
ROBERTSON,  JAMES.    Leith,  1818-36. 

Admitted  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker,  Canon- 
gate  Hammermen,  1818;  25  Bridge  Street,  Leith,  1825  ; 
4  West  Nicolson  Street,  Edinburgh,  1836. 

ROBERTSON,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1806. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Robert  Hinmers,  3rd  May  1806. 
ROBERTSON,  JOHN.  Netherbow,  Edinburgh,  1783-1821. 

"  Lost  on  the  Glasgow  Road  by  Calder  on  Wednesday 
last,  22nd  January,  a  silver  watch,  maker's  name  J. 
Johnson,  London,  No.  101.  If  said  watch  is  offered  for 
sale,  please  acquaint  John  Robertson,  watchmaker, 
Netherbow,  Edinburgh,  or  John  Smith,  Glasgow,  and 
a  handsome  reward  will  be  given." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  27th  January  1783. 

"  The  Rev.  Alexander  Robertson,  minister  at 
Burford,  Oxfordshire,  served  Heir  in  General  to  his 
father,  John  Robertson,  watch  and  clock  maker,  Edin- 
burgh, dated  2nd  January  1822.  Recorded  8th  January 
1822  " — Services  of  Heirs. 

ROBERTSON,  MATTHEW.     Mauchline,  1837. 

ROBERTSON,  PATRICK.     Perth,  1765. 

"  The  calling  agree  to  grant  liberty  and  tolerance  to 
the  above  to  exercise  his  trade  as  a  clock  and  watch 
maker  in  Perth  during  his  lifetime  for  payment  of  one 
pound  sterling  yearly." — Perth  Hammermen  Records. 

ROBERTSON,  ROBERT.     17  George  Street,  Perth,  1825-37. 

ROBERTSON,    ROBERT.      86    Argyll    Street,    Glasgow, 
1802-28. 

ROBERTSON,    THOMAS.      169    Argyll    Street,    Glasgow, 

1837- 
ROBERTSON,  THOMAS.     Rothesay,  1837. 

At  a  meeting  of  the  Royal  Scottish  Society  of  Arts, 
held  on  I5th  November  1837,  a  drawing  and  verbal 
description  of  an  improved  vertical  watch  was  exhibited 
by  Mr  Thomas  Robertson,  Watchmaker,  Rothesay ; 
also  drawing  and  verbal  description  of  an  improved 
Lever  Watch,  and  a  drawing  and  description  of  an 
improved  escapement  for  a  chronometer. 


320  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

ROBERTSON,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1749. 

Son  of  Colin  Robertson,  Barber  and  Wigmaker 
in  Edinburgh  ;  booked  apprentice  to  Archibald  Straiton, 
30th  March  1749. 

ROBERTSON,  WILLIAM.     Dunbar,  1803. 

"A  gold  watch  found  on  Friday,  the  i8th  ult, 
between  the  town  of  Dunbar  and  village  of  East 
Linton.  Any  person  proving  it  their  property  may 
have  it  by  applying  to  Mr  William  Robertson,  watch- 
maker, Dunbar,  and  paying  expenses." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  2nd  April  1803. 

ROBERTSON,  WILLIAM.     Falkland,  Fife,  1830. 

ROBERTSON,  WILLIAM.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1764-80. 
Admitted    freeman    clock     and    watch     maker,    in 
Canongate  Hammermen,  7th  November  1764. 

"  Lost  last  night,  betwixt  Musselburgh  and  Newhaven 
or  Newhaven  and  Edinburgh,  a  pinchbeck  watch  in  a 
black  shagreen  case  and  a  steel  chain  with  a  silver  seal 
and  a  cupid  cut  upon  the  stone  of  the  seal,  the  maker's 
name  William  Robertson,  Canongate.  Any  person 
that  has  found  the  same  and  will  deliver  it  to  the  said 
W.  R.  shall  be  handsomely  rewarded." — Caledonian 
Mercury,  i6th  August  1768. 

"  Lost  on  the  evening  of  Saturday  last,  betwixt 
Newhaven  and  Edinburgh,  a  gentleman's  gold  watch. 
Any  person  who  has  found  the  same  upon  restoring  it 
to  William  Robertson,  watchmaker,  Head  of  Canongate, 
will  be  handsomely  rewarded." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  loth  August  1772. 

ROBERTSON,  W.     Parliament  Close,  Edinburgh,  1791. 

"  Improved  Pedometer  or  Way  Wiser  which,  when 
worn  in  the  pocket,  ascertains  with  accuracy  the  distance 
the  wearer  walks.  These  very  amusing  machines  are  at 
present  very  much  in  repute  in  London,  and  are  now  at 
the  shop  of  W.  Robertson,  No.  6  Parliament  Close,  who 
sells  them  at  the  same  price  charged  by  the  manufacturer 
in  London  ;  and  also  an  assortment  of  watches  in  gold, 
gold  enamelled,  pearl  and  enamelled  silver,  plain  metal 
and  enamelled  cases,  which  he  sells  on  the  most  reason- 
able terms." — Edinburgh  Herald,  nth  April  1791. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  321 

ROBSON,  W.     Linton,  1787. 

RODGER,    ALEXANDER.     Harvey's    Lane,   Campbeltown, 
1837- 

ROGER,  WILLIAM.     Stonehaven,  1820-46. 

ROSS,  CHARLES.    Broughty-Ferry,  1828. 

ROSS,  DAVID.     Pathhead,  Dysart,  1836. 

ROSS,  GEORGE.     Inveraray,  1835. 

ROSS,  JAMES.     Gallowgate,  Glasgow,  1790-1800. 

"  Lost  on  the  banks  of  the  Great  Canal,  near  Stocking- 
field,  about  the  24th  January  1797,  a  silver  watch,  maker's 
name  R.  Herbert,  London,  No.  6850.  Whoever  has 
found  the  same,  by  returning  it  to  Mr  James  Ross, 
watchmaker,  Gallowgate,  Glasgow,  shall  receive  half  a 
guinea  reward." — Glasgow  Courier \  3oth  January  1797. 

"  All  persons  who  stand  indebted  to  the  deceased 
James  Ross,  watchmaker  in  Gallowgate,  Glasgow,  are 
desired  without  delay  to  pay  their  accounts  to  David 
Ross,  at  the  shop  lately  possessed  by  the  said  J.  Ross, 
who  alone  is  empowered  to  discharge  the  same.  The 
whole  watch  and  clock  makers'  tools  which  belonged 
to  the  said  J.  Ross  are  to  be  sold  by  public  roup  within 
the  workshop  lately  possessed  by  Mr  Robert  Somervell, 
watchmaker,  fifth  close  east  from  the  Gallowgate  Bridge, 
south  side,  on  Wednesday,  the  5th  day  of  February 
next,  at  eleven  o'clock  forenoon." — Ibid.,  25th  January 
1800. 

ROSS,  THOMAS.     High  Street,  Tain,  1836. 

ROSS,  WILLIAM.     High  Street,  Montrose,  1820. 

ROSS,  WILLIAM.     Stonehaven,  1846. 

ROSS,  WILLIAM.    Dingwall,  1849. 

ROSS,  WILLIAM.     Duke  Street,  Huntly,  1836. 

ROUGH,  DAVID.     Hill  Town,  Dundee,  1820. 

ROUGH,  JAMES.     Links,  Kirkcaldy,  1836. 

ROUMIEU,  PAUL,  sen.     Edinburgh,  1677-94. 

With  the  exception  of  David  Ramsay,  who  is  the 
earliest  watchmaker  belonging  to  Scotland  that  we 
have  authentic  account  of,  little  information  is  to  be 
gleaned  about  any  other  till  the  latter  part  of  the 


322  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

seventeenth  century.  As  Ramsay  died  between  1640- 
50,  and  was  resident  in  London  for  at  least  thirty 
years,  there  is  therefore  a  period  of  nearly  thirty  years 
during  which  the  name  or  even  mention  of  a  watch- 
maker being  in  Scotland  is  unrecorded.  What  remains 
of  Ramsay's  make  in  the  British  Museum  is  put  down 
as  having  been  made  1 600-10,  and  though  they  were 
the  production  of  a  Scotsman,  still  it  is  not  clear  that 
they  were  manufactured  in  Scotland,  seeing  the  date 
of  his  arrival  in  London  is  uncertain.  As  remarked 
above,  no  other  name  or  even  a  single  specimen  of 
a  watch  made  in  Scotland  earlier  than  1677  survives, 
and  it  is  to  a  foreigner  that  the  honour  is  due  of 
reintroducing  an  art  into  Scotland  that  prospered 
exceedingly  although  of  slow  growth.  During  the 
sixteenth  and  seventeenth  centuries  the  trade  con- 
nection between  France  and  Scotland  was,  as  is  well 
known,  of  an  extensive  nature,  and  as  France  led  in 
the  manufacture  of  articles  of  luxury  and  artistic  merit, 
the  arrival  of  Paul  Roumieu  in  Edinburgh,  as  a  practical 
watchmaker,  must  have  been  hailed  with  satisfaction  by 
the  clockmakers  of  that  city  as  an  event  of  the  greatest 
importance. 

The  first  appearance  of  the  name  occurring  here  is 
found  in  the  records  of  the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen, 
under  the  date  of  2nd  June  1677  : — 

"AT  MAGDALEN  CHAPEL. — The  Deacon,  Boxmaster 
and  remanent  bretheren  of  ye  Hammermen  being  met, 
compeared  presonally  Paull  Roumieu,  who  presented  ane 
essay,  viz.,  the  movements  of  ane  watch,  which  was 
found  to  be  a  weill  wrought  essay,  able  to  serve  his 
Majesties'  leiges,  and  therefore  they  have  received  him 
to  be  ane  ordinary  freeman  amongst  them  in  the  airt 
and  trade  of  clockmaker.  His  essay  masters  were 
George  Neill  and  Andrew  Brown,  his  essay  was  made 
in  his  own  chamber.  He  payed  to  the  Boxmaster  ane 
hundred  pounds  (Scots)  and  the  clerk  and  officers'  duties." 

This  minute,  giving  us  the  exact  date  of  his  admission, 
is  of  great  interest,  showing  that  the  essayist  was  more 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  323 

than  an  ordinary  craftsman.  He  being  the  first  in 
whose  favour  the  other  part  of  the  essay  was  waived, 
namely,  the  construction  of  a  lock  and  key,  thus  making 
him,  along  with  his  son,  the  only  two  men  (at  that  date) 
who  were  relieved  of  this  part  of  the  essay,  clearly 
demonstrates  that  in  Paul  Roumieu  they  had  a  master 
in  the  art.  One  important  omission  requires  to  be 
noted  here  :  no  mention  is  to  be  found  where  he  belonged 
to,  but  all  the  evidence  available  points  to  him  as  being 
a  native  of  France.  The  late  Dr  Chambers,  in  his  well- 
known  book,  The  Traditions  of  Edinburgh,  says,  speaking 
of  the  West  Bow :  "  The  house  immediately  within  the 
ancient  port  on  the  east  side  of  the  street  was  occupied 
about  the  beginning  of  the  last  century  by  Paul  Roumieu, 
an  eminent  watchmaker,  supposed  to  have  been  one  of 
the  French  refugees  driven  over  to  this  country  in  con- 
sequence of  the  revocation  of  the  Edict  of  Nantes.  In 
front  of  the  house,  upon  the  fourth  story,  there  is  still  to 
be  seen  the  remains  of  a  curious  piece  of  mechanism, 
namely,  a  gilt  ball  representing  the  moon  which  was 
made  to  revolve  by  means  of  a  clock.  This  house  was 
demolished  in  1835."  (See  Frontispiece.) 

This  has  been  quoted  by  all  writers  on  Old  Edinburgh, 
making  it  the  only  information  available  up  to  the 
present  time.  As  can  be  seen  from  the  date  of  the 
minute  1677,  his  appearance  here  cannot  be  set  down  as 
having  been  caused  by  the  Revocation  of  the  Edict  of 
Nantes,  which  occurred  in  1685,  eight  years  after,  and  it 
is  certain  that  his  settlement  here  was  not  due  to  that 
important  event.  We  must  look  for  another  cause,  and 
we  hazard  the  opinion  that  his  presence  here  may  have 
been  due  to  a  royal  command  or  invitation.  The 
Hammermen  of  Edinburgh  as  an  incorporate  body  must 
have  been  pretty  well  known  to  King  Charles  II.,  as 
his  royal  father,  King  Charles  I.,  had  in  1641  granted 
to  them,  as  patrons  of  the  Magdalen  Chapel  (their 
meeting  place),  a  mortification  or  gift  out  of  the 
revenues  of  the  suppressed  Bishopric  of  Dunkeld,  of  one 
hundred  and  nine  pounds  sterling  yearly  for  the  benefit 
of  the  poor  of  the  craft.  This  bequest  they  enjoyed 


324  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

more  or  less  (an  inspection  of  their  records  reveals  that 
some  years  this  was  a  difficult  matter)  till  1661,  when 
King  Charles  II.,  again  establishing  Episcopacy  in 
Scotland,  swept  away  their  right  and  the  revenue  was 
lost.  The  Hammermen  were  greatly  assisted  in  the 
acquisition  of  this  mortification  by  Sir  James  Carmichael, 
the  King's  Advocate ;  arid  as  he  was  a  great  favourite 
with  Charles  II.,  being  created  a  Baron  by  him,  it  is 
not  unreasonable  to  suppose  that  the  disappointment 
caused  by  the  loss  of  this  bequest  to  the  Hammermen 
would  remain  unknown  unto  the  King.  Sir  James 
Carmichael  had  a  direct  interest  in  the  matter,  as  the 
Hammermen  out  of  gratitude  for  his  efforts  for  them 
granted  to  him  and  his  heirs  in  perpetuity  the  right  to 
appoint  one  bedesman  in  the  chapel.  This  right  was.  of 
course,  lost  also,  and  it  may  be  here  remarked  that  the 
Hammermen,  by  some  strange  oversight,  neglected  to 
revoke  the  gift,  the  consequence  being  that  in  1710  they 
were  drawn  into  a  lawsuit  with  the  then  holder  of  the 
title  for  count  and  reckoning  of  this  appointment.  The 
story  is  too  long  for  insertion  here,  but  in  trying  to 
strengthen  our  surmise  it  has  been  necessary  to  bring 
the  matter  in.  By  a  curious  coincidence  Sir  James 
Carmichael,  who  was  now  Earl  of  Hyndford,  had  a  son, 
Sir  William,  who  was  a  member  of  the  bodyguard  of 
Louis  XIV.  of  France,  and  undoubtedly  in  close  touch 
with  that  monarch.  It  may  have  been  that  representa- 
tion was  made  to  the  Earl  by  the  Hammermen  to 
influence  his  royal  master  to  make  amends  for  their  loss, 
and  that  the  best  thing  to  be  done  was  to  get  his 
majesty  to  negotiate  with  Louis  XIV.  to  arrange  for  a 
French  watchmaker  to  settle  in  Edinburgh.  The 
matter  may  have  been  broached  by  this  Sir  William, 
and  Louis,  finding  out  that  there  was  in  Rouen  a 
craftsman  who  was  in  every  respect  qualified  to  fulfil 
the  part  of  instructor,  arranged  with  Paul  Roumieu  to 
emigrate  and  come  to  Edinburgh.  Of  course  one  may 
say  why  not  get  one  from  London,  but  the  native 
jealousy  of  their  "auld  enemies"  precluded  the  idea 
of  an  Englishman  coming  here,  and  also  the  worthy 


• 


WATCH,  WITH  SILVER  DIAL  AND  GOLD  CENTRE. 


By  Paul  Roumieu,  Edinburgh,  1677-94.  In  the  Museum 
of  the  Society  of  Antiquaries  of  Scotland.  Reproduced  by 
permission. 


[To  face  page  324. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  325 

Scots  clockmakers  knew  pretty  well  that  the  country 
that  is  credited  as  having  been  the  first  to  construct  a 
watch  was  the  best  fitted  to  supply  a  competent  master. 

Be  that  as  it  may,  there  is  another  point  in  the 
admission  minute  which  may  be  referred  to,  namely, 
he  was  not  a  burgess — a  condition  which  was  then 
imperative  on  every  aspirant  for  admission  into  the 
various  Incorporation  of  Crafts  in  the  city.  Then  the 
essay  was  made  in  his  own  chamber,  not  shop,  which, 
however,  is  mentioned  in  the  admission  minute  of  his 
son,  and  lastly,  the  only  known  specimen  of  a  watch 
bearing  the  name  of  Paul  Roumieu  that  is  to  be  found 
in  Scotland  has  engraved  on  the  dial  the  Royal  Arms ; 
all  showing  that  this  man  must  have  had  powerful 
influence  at  his  back  to  account  for  his  setting  up 
business  here. 

He  appears  to  have  taken  very  little  interest  in  the 
affairs  of  the  Hammermen,  as  he  is  fined  £26  Scots  for 
being  fifty-six  times  absent,  and  his  name  only  turns  up 
in  the  Records  when  his  apprentices  were  booked,  and  on 
the  occasion  when  his  son  was  made  a  freeman. 

Coming  now  to  his  work,  it  is  needless  to  say  that 
specimens  of  such  are  very  rare  and  seldom  turn  up. 
We  have  been  able  to  note  the  location  of  three 
examples,  one  in  Edinburgh  and  two  in  London.  The 
Edinburgh  one,  with  silver  dial  and  gold  centre  (see 
illustration),  is  to  be  seen  in  the  Museum  of  the 
Society  of  Antiquaries  in  Queen  Street,  and  has  the 
name  Roumieu,  Edinburgh,  engraved  in  italics  on  the 
face.  One  of  the  London  ones  we  are  enabled  to 
describe  more  fully  by  extracts  taken  from  the  Catalogue 
of  the  addition  to  the  collection  of  clocks  and  watches 
presented  to  the  Worshipful  Company  of  Clockmakers 
of  the  City  of  London  by  the  late  Rev.  H.  L.  Nelthropp 
M.A.,  F.S.A.,  kindly  forwarded  by  that  gentleman 
to  me. 

"No.  I5A.  P.  Roumieu,  a  Rouen. — A  beautifully 
made  watch  with  a  vertical  escapement.  The  dial  white 
enamel,  one  hand  only.  The  movement  is  in  its 
original  condition,  having  had  little  wear  and  no 


326  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

repair  of  any  kind.  The  ornamental  steel  work  on  the 
top  plate  excessively  fine  and  elegant.  The  fusee  is  cut 
for  catgut  and  not  for  a  chain.  No  spiral  spring  to  the 
balance.  The  case  is  enamelled  and  the  subject  on  its 
outside  is  in  the  style  of  Boucher.  The  movement  was 
probably  made  between  1645  and  1670." 

A  note  following  after  the  above  description  informs 
us  that  great  interest  attaches  to  it  in  consequence  of  it 
having  been  made  by  a  Roumieu,  the  celebrated  French 
watchmaker  of  Edinburgh,  a  contemporary  of  Tompion, 
Ouare,  and  Gretton,  coupling  his  name  with  the  most 
famous  men  that  England  had  produced  in  the  art 
of  Horology. 

The  other  London  specimen  is  as  follows : — 

"  The  gold  dial,  an  extremely  elegant  one,  has  a 
piece  cut  out  of  it  for  the  purpose  of  exposing  to  view 
the  balance  arm  made  to  represent  a  pendulum  bob. 
The  hands  are  the  original  steel  ones.  The  top  plate  of 
the  movement  is  extremely  well  engraved,  and  it  has  on 
a  circular  piece  the  name  Paul  Roumieu,  Edinburgh, 
with  the  number  259.  The  metal  box  which  holds  the 
movement  and  the  outer  silver  cases  are  decidedly  not 
original.  There  is  very  little  doubt  that  the  cases  were 
originally  made  of  gold.  The  escapement  is  a  vertical 
one.  The  pillars  are  open  tulip  shaped.  The  regulating 
index  is  on  the  dial  as  well  as  a  cartouche  bearing  the 
name  '  Roumieu.' " 

A  note  explains  that  it  is  seldom  that  a  watch  by 
Roumieu  can  be  bought  in  London.  The  above  one 
was  sold  by  Messrs  Christie,  Manson,  and  Woods,  at 
their  great  rooms,  8  King  Street.  St  James's  Square,  on 
Thursday,  I4th  February  1895,  forming  one  of  the 
collection  of  watches,  the  property  of  the  Rev.  W. 
Bentinck,  L.  Hawkins,  deceased  ;  lot  856. 

Doubtless  there  are  more  specimens  in  existence,  but 
enough  has  been  mentioned  to  show  the  skill  and 
execution  of  this  famous  craftsman.  He  died  in  March 
1694,  and  was  buried  in  the  Greyfriars'  Churchyard, 
where  in  the  records  of  that  old  burying-ground  his 
interment  is  noted  as  follows  ;  "  Paul  Rowmie,  Watch- 
maker," 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  327 

ROUMIEU,  PAUL,  jun.     Edinburgh,  1682-1717. 

The  existence  of  another  maker  bearing  the  same 
name  has  only  now  been  satisfactorily  proved,  and  the 
important  testimony  recording  this  is  given  in  a  minute 
from  the  Hammermen's  Records  under  the  date  of  i6th 
August  1682  : — 

"  At  the  Magdalen  Chapel  in  the  afternoon,  in 
presence  of  Deacon  Anderson,  Deacon  Coulstoun,  the 
Boxmaster,  Boxmaster  Ramsay,  Master  Blacksmiths 
and  Locksmith  airts,  compeared  Paul  Roumieu,  son 
to  Paul  Roumieu,  clockmaker,  burgess  of  Edinburgh,1 
and  presented  his  essay,  viz.,  the  movements  of  a  watch 
which  was  found  a  weill  wrought  essay,  able  to  serve 
his  majesties  leiges,  and  therefore  they  admitted  him  to 
be  a  freeman  among  them  in  the  clockmakers'  airt. 
His  essay  masters  were  Richard  Mills  and  John 
Sympsone.  The  essay  was  made  in  his  father's  shop. 
He  gave  in  a  sufficient  fyrelock  and  bandilier  and  paid 
the  boxmaster  ane  hundreth  merkis  for  his  upset  and 
the  clerk  and  officers'  dues." 

It  is  curious  that  the  son's  identity  should  have 
remained  so  obscure.  So  far  as  can  be  gleaned,  he 
appears  to  have  inherited  all  the  father's  skill  and 
ingenuity,  and  was  eminently  qualified  to  conduct  the 
business  his  father's  death  made  him  master  of  in  1694. 
This  he  managed  so  successfully  that  it  is  evident  it 
reached  some  dimensions,  judging  from  the  number  of 
apprentices  he  booked.  The  father,  during  his  career, 
appears  never  to  have  had  more  than  two,  John  Cousteill 
and  David  Marine.  The  son  had  no  less  than  two 
apprentices  and  two  journeymen,  their  names  being 
Jacques  Thibou,  John  Frugard,  Emmanuel  Poarson,  and 
David  Mackerson  (q.v.).  These  names  give  an  idea  of 
the  French  element  in  the  city  at  that  date. 

Where  his  shop  was  situated  does  not  appear,  and  as 
can  be  seen  in  the  notes  on  the  father,  tradition  makes 
it  to  have  been  in  the  Clockmaker's  Land,  Bow.  (See 

1  Though  careful  search  has  been  made  into  the  Burgess  Rolls 
preserved  in  the  City  Chambers  no  entry  is  to  be  found  recording  this 
statement. 


328  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

Frontispiece).  The  only  contemporary  notice  regarding 
him  that  we  have  been  able  to  discover  occurs  in  that 
rare  old  newspaper,  the  Edinburgh  Gazette,  of  the  date 
1699,  which  is  as  follows  : — 

"Stolen  this  day  in  the  Parliament  House,  out  of 
a  gentleman's  pocket,  a  silver  pendulum  watch  with 
a  minute  hand,  in  a  green  shagreen  case.  Whoever  can 
give  notice  of  said  watch  to  Mr  Roumieu,  watchmaker, 
shall  be  thankfully  rewarded." 

Specimens  of  his  work  are  very  rare  ;  the  only  clock 
of  which  particulars  have  reached  me  is  in  the  possession 
of  Mr  Paterson,  Biggar,  Lanarkshire.  The  case  is 
covered  with  most  elaborate  marquetry.  The  dial  is 
rather  small,  being  1 1  inches  square,  and  has  the  name 
Paul  Roumie,  Edinburgh,  engraved  on  the  lower  part  of 
the  chapiter,  while  the  centre  is  matted,  and  it  has  the 
usual  raised  seconds  disc.  It  goes  a  month  without 
winding.  By  a  curious  coincidence,  this  clock  is  believed 
to  have  been  originally  the  property  of  the  Earl  of 
Hyndford,  whose  estate  of  Carmichael  is  only  a  few 
miles  distant  from  Biggar.  As  we  have  tried  to  show  in 
the  notes  on  Paul  Roumieu,  senior,  that  his  arrival  in 
Scotland  was  largely  due  to  the  efforts  of  the  above 
nobleman,  it  is  therefore  not  impossible  that  this  clock 
may  have  been  made  and  presented  to  the  Earl  of 
Hyndford  as  a  token  of  gratitude  for  his  powerful 
interest  in  the  matter.  The  fact  of  its  present  location, 
and  it  being  the  only  known  specimen  in  existence  by 
this  man,  warrants  the  surmise  so  largely  given  in  the 
notes  on  the  elder  Roumieu. 

The  son,  like  the  father,  took  no  interest  in  the 
affairs  of  the  Hammermen,  but  notwithstanding  this 
seeming  inattention  the  members  highly  valued  his 
services  to  the  craft,  as  the  following  minute  testifies  :— - 

2Oth  September  1712. — "The  which  day,  in  presence 
of  the  haill  Incorporation,  there  being  a  petition  given 
in  by  Anne  Roumieu,  daughter  to  the  deceast  Paul 
Roumieu,  watchmaker  freeman  in  the  Incorporation, 
craving  to  be  presented  to  the  Governors  of  the  Maiden 
Hospital,  by  this  Incorporation,  in  the  room  of  Janet 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  329 

Cowan,  who  is  to  come  out  of  the  said  hospital  in  April 
next  And  after  reading  of  the  said  petition,  and  the 
Incorporation  considering  the  same,  and  knowing  she  is 
a  great  object  of  their  charity,  they  do  by  these  presents 
condescend  and  agree  that  the  said  Anne  Roumieu  shall 
be  presented  to  the  Governors  of  the  said  hospital  to  be 
received  in  place  of  the  foresaid  Janet  Cowan,  who  is  to 
come  out  in  April  next,  and  as  soon  as  she  can  go  in  by 
the  acts  and  rules  of  the  said  hospital.  This  act  was 
approven  without  a  contrair  vote." 

This  kindly  worded  minute  is  remarkable  for  two 
things,  the  first  being  that  in  the  candidature  of  Anne 
Roumieu  for  the  vacancy  there  was  no  opposition.  An 
inspection  of  the  Records  invariably  reveals  the  fact 
that  there  was  a  great  competition  for  the  appointment, 
but  in  her  case  none  was  offered.  It  also  brings  out  in 
the  second  place,  that  the  members  of  the  Hammermen 
Incorporation  were  anxious  to  do  justice  to  the  memory 
of  one  who  by  some  unexplained  calamity  had  un- 
fortunately left  a  daughter  totally  unprovided  for. 
This,  the  last  mention  of  the  name  of  Roumieu,  closes 
the  honourable  and  useful  career  of  two  men  to  whom 
the  craft  in  Edinburgh  were  deeply  indebted.  Paul 
Roumieu,  jun.,  had  three  children  interred  in  the 
Greyfriars  Churchyard,  his  name  in  the  Records  being 
spelt  as  follows : — Paul  Rovnie  and  Paul  Rwmbie, 
watchmaker. 

ROWLAND,   JOHN.     Western    Lane,    Berwick-on-Tweed, 

1837- 
ROWLAND,    JOHN.      High     Street,     Berwick-on-Tweed, 

1780-1820. 

ROWLAND,  WALTER.     Bridge  Street,  Berwick-on-Tweed, 
1 806-20. 

ROWLAND,  WALTER.    Yetholm,  1833. 
ROY,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1759. 

Booked  apprentice  to  John  Aitken. 
ROY,  WILLIAM.    Edinburgh,  1787. 


330  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

ROY,  WILLIAM.     Dunfermline,  1786-1811. 

"  A  gold  watch  lost  or  stolen  on  Saturday  in  Edin- 
burgh, maker's  name  Roy,  Dunfermline,  and  the  owner's 
name  engraved  on  the  inside  of  the  inner  case,  William 
Hart,  1791.  Whoever  will  bring  said  watch  to  the 
Advertiser  Office,  Cross,  will  be  rewarded,  and  it  is 
hoped  it  will  be  stopt  if  offered  for  sale  or  cleaning 
by  any  watchmaker,  and  information  given  as  above." 
Edinburgh  Advertiser,  5th  March  1811. 

RULE,  JAMES.     44  High  Street,  Dundee,  1837. 
RULE,  JOHN.     Kelso,  1791-1836. 

"  Lost  on  Friday,  23rd  curt,  between  Edinburgh  and 
Dalkeith,  a  silver  watch,  maker's  name  Jasper  Taylor, 
Holborn,  London,  No.  573.  Whoever  has  found  it  will 
be  handsomely  rewarded  on  delivering  it  to  Mr  John 
Rule,  watchmaker,  Kelso,  or  Andrew  Milligan,  watch- 
case  maker,  Parliament  Close,  Edinburgh." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant^  29th  September  1791. 

RULE,  WALTER.     Edinburgh,  1733. 

Son  of  Mr  William  Rule,  merchant  in  Edinburgh  ; 
booked  apprentice  to  John  Brown,  23rd  January  1733. 

RUSSELL,  D.     Leith,  1833. 

"  Leishman  Russell,  painter,  Edinburgh,  served  Co- 
Heir  of  Provision  General  to  his  mother,  Mary  Maving, 
wife  of  D.  Russell,  watchmaker,  Leith,  dated  2ist 
October  1833.  Recorded  2nd  November  1833." — 
Services  of  Heirs. 

RUSSELL,  HUGH.     Moffat,  1837. 
RUSSELL,  JOHN.     Falkirk,  1783-1817. 

This  was  a  craftsman  of  more  than  ordinary  ability, 

and,  as  will  be  seen  in  the  following  notices,  turned  out 

work  of  the  highest  class  : — 

"To  THE  CURIOUS  IN  MECHANICS. — To  be  Sold 
a  very  curious  Organ  Clock,  being  the  first  ever  made 
in  Scotland,  which  plays  a  tune  every  two  hours.  The 
barrel  it  has  at  present  consists  of  twelve  different  tunes 
and  more  may  be  made  if  required. 

"  To  be  seen  at  any  time  at  Mr  Russel's,  watchmaker, 
Falkirk,  to  whom  proposals  from  intending  purchasers 
may  be  made.  He  likewise  makes  and  repairs  Musical 
Clocks^  Organs,  etc. ;  also  makes  portable  jacks  of  a  new 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  331 

construction,  Barometers,  Thermometers,  and  every  kind 
of  machinery  in  the  watch  and  clock  branch. 

"  By  a  long  course  of  study  and  practice,  having 
brought  his  Organ  Clock  to  the  utmost  perfection,  Mr 
Russel  humbly  begs  leave  to  solicit  the  patronage  and 
encouragement  of  the  public,  and  all  favours  will  be 
thankfully  and  gratefully  acknowledged." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  I2th  May  1783. 

"  WATCHES  STOLEN. — Whereas  a  man  naming  him- 
self William  Muir,  an  Englishman  journeyman  Clock- 
maker  with  Mr  John  Russel,  Falkirk,  went  off  on 
Monday,  the  25th  curt.,  carrying  away  eight  silver 
watches,  one  of  them  cap'd  and  jewelled,  with  seconds 
from  the  contrate  wheel  figures  in  place  of  hours  upon 
the  dial  plate,  maker's  name  John  Lamb,  London ; 
another  cap'd  with  the  name  John  Henderson  upon 
the  cape,  and  maker's  name  John  Russel,  Falkirk, 
No.  132;  the  other  six  are  common  watches,  one  of 
the  makers'  names  John  Russel,  Falkirk,  and  another 
of  them  James  Upjohn,  London. 

"  He  appears  to  be  a  man  between  30  and  40  years  ol 
age,  about  five  feet  five  inches  high,  short  black  hair, 
thin  on  the  forehead,  a  large  mark  of  a  cut  upon  the 
right  corner  of  his  brow ;  had  on  when  he  went  off  a 
snuff  brown  coat  tore  at  the  right  armpit,  dark  brown 
velveret  vest  with  small  yellow  spots,  plain  drab-coloured 
breeches,  round  hat,  blue-white  stockings,  and  shoes  tied 
with  leather  thongs.  Whoever  will  apprehend,  or  cause 
to  be  apprehended,  the  above  person  shall  on  conviction 
be  handsomely  rewarded. 

"It  is  entreated  that  all  watchmakers  and  those 
dealing  in  the  business  will  stop  the  offerer  of  such  articles, 
and  information  being  given  to  John  Russel,  or  Mr 
George  Williamson,  messenger,  Edinburgh,  will  be 
gratefully  received  and  rewarded." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant^  3Oth  June  1792. 

"LOTTERY,  By  John  Russel,  Clock  and  Watch 
Maker,  Falkirk. — The  prizes  are  a  Chamber  Barrel 
Organ  with  four  stops,  which  plays  24  different  select 
tunes  at  pleasure,  neatly  fitted  up  in  a  mahogany  case, 
elegantly  ornamented  on  the  front  with  round  towers 
and  gilt  pipes ;  a  silver  watch  cap'd  and  jewelled  with 
seconds  and  Prince  of  Wales  escapement ;  two  fine 
eight-day  spring  Clocks ;  a  brass  solar  microscope  \ 


332  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

with  a  number  of  eight-day  clocks,  silver  watches, 
Barometers  and  Thermometers;  also  a  number  of 
capital  prints  engraved  by  the  late  Sir  Robert  Strange 
neatly  framed  with  inside  gilt  mouldings. 

"Tickets  at  five  shillings  each  with  Schemes  to  be  had 
of  J.  Rtissel,  Falkirk,  Messrs  Goldie  and  Robertson, 
merchants,  opposite  to  the  Cross,  and  C.  Elliot,  bookseller, 
Parliament  Square,  Edinburgh.  Also  by  J.  Bannerman, 
Carver  and  Gilder,  Glasgow. 

"  As  a  great  number  of  the  tickets  are  already  sold, 
those  who  wish  to  become  adventurers  will  please  apply 
for  tickets  as  soon  as  possible  that  the  time  of  drawing 
may  be  fixed.  Gentlemen  who  please  to  call  at  J. 
Russel's  will  have  an  opportunity  of  viewing  the  organ, 
etc.,  and  he  is  persuaded  they  will  sufficiently  recommend 
themselves. 

"J.  Russel  returns  his  most  grateful  thanks  to  his 
friends  and  the  public  for  past  favours,  and  begs  leave  to 
inform  them  that  he  has  been  in  London  and  other 
manufacturing  towns  in  England  purchasing  a  fresh 
stock  of  materials  for  the  better  carrying  on  of  his 
business  in  the  Clock  and  Watch  line.  Also  he  has 
selected  a  number  of  capital  prints  engraved  by  the  best 
masters,  among  which  are  a  few  impressions  of  Mary 
Queen  of  Scots  with  James  VI.,  both  engraved  on  one 
plate  by  Bartolozzi."1 — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant^  26th 
July  1792. 

"  On  Monday,  Mr  Russell  of  Falkirk,  watchmaker  to 
His  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  Regent,  waited  on  his 
Royal  Highness  at  Carlton  House,  when  he  had  the 
honour  of  delivering  a  superb  gold  chronometer  of  his 
making,  according  to  his  R.H.  gracious  order.  His 
Royal  Highness,  with  his  usual  condescension,  was 
pleased  to  declare  his  satisfaction  with  this  specimen  of 
Mr  Russell's  workmanship.  Mr  Russell  had  also  the 
honour  of  presenting  to  his  Royal  Highness  a  box  made 
from  the  celebrated  Wallace's  Tree,  in  the  Torwood, 
Stirlingshire,  elegantly  mounted  in  gold.  The  box 
contained  a  quantity  of  wheat  which  was  found  in  a 
vault  of  the  Roman  wall  or  Graham's  Dyke  at  Castlecary, 
where  it  is  supposed  to  have  lain  upwards  of  1400  years. 
The  lid  of  the  box  contained  a  very  elegant  inscription 
with  the  above  particulars.  Mr  Russell  also  presented 

1  This  is  now  a  scarce  engraving,  original  impressions  being  difficult 
to  procure. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  333 

to  His  Royal  Highness  a  silver  Crookstone  dollar,  being 
a  coin  of  Queen  Mary  and  her  husband  Lord  Darnley, 
struck  at  Crookstone  Castle  in  the  year  1565,  and  a  very 
ancient  watch  of  curious  workmanship.  His  Royal 
Highness  conversed  for  some  time  with  Mr  Russell  with 
great  affability,  and  showed  him  a  great  many  curious 
clocks  and  watches." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant>  6th 
July  1812. 

"  Died  at  Falkirk  on  the  24th  September,  Mr  John 
Russell,  Watchmaker  to  his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince 
Regent.  From  a  different  line  of  trade  to  which  he  was 
originally  bred ;  by  his  ingenuity  and  industry  he  raised 
himself  to  an  eminent  and  prominent  situation  in  his 
profession." — Obituary  Notice  in  Edinburgh  Advertiser, 
3Oth  September  1817. 

His  remains  were  interred  in  the  parish  churchyard 
near  to  the  unique  memorial  erected  to  the  great  Sir 
John  Graham.  On  a  recent  visit  to  this  old  town  and 
burying-ground  we  observed  with  satisfaction  that  a 
beautiful  and  chaste  designed  monument  marked  his 
last  resting-place.  As  the  inscription  on  it  informed  us, 
it  was  erected  by  a  brother  in  loving  memory  of  John 
Russell,  watchmaker  to  H.R.H.  Prince  Regent,  1818. 

RUSSELL,  JOHN.     Falkirk,  1850. 
RUSSELL,  ROBERT.     Moffat,  1774. 
RUSSELL,  SAMUEL.     New  Road,  Selkirk,  1837. 
RUSSELL,  SAMUEL.     Selkirk,  1773. 

"  Martha  Russell  or  Douglas,  wife  of  Samuel  Russell, 
watchmaker,  Selkirk,  served  Heir  General  to  her  father 
William  Douglas,  baker  there,  dated  22nd  June  1773. 
Recorded  7th  August  1773." — Services  of  Heirs. 

RUSSELL,    WILLIAM.    Glasgow,   1802;   died   22nd   April 
1816. 

RUSSELL,   WILLIAM.     Glasgow,    1827;  probably  son   of 
above. 

RUSSELL,  WILLIAM.     High  Street,  Falkirk,  1820. 
RUTHERFORD,  WALTER.    Jedburgh,  1836. 
RUTHERFORD,  WILLIAM.     High   Street,  Hawick,  1837. 


334  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

SAFELY  OR  SAFLEY,  JOHN.  Portsburgh,  Edinburgh, 
1764-1803. 

"  Presented  a  bill  craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman 
clock  and  watch  maker  in  Portsburgh,  3rd  November 
1764.  Compeared  on  4th  May  1765,  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  clock  movement  without  the  striking  part, 
made  in  his  own  shop,  as  John  Chalmers,  his  landlord, 
and  James  Duff  and  James  Hutton,  his  essay  masters, 
declared."— £.  H.  Records. 

He  died  I7th  October  1803. 

SAFELY,  JOHN.     Carluke ;  died   i?th  June  1857,  aged  54 

years. 
SAFLY  OR  SAIFLOY,  JOHN.      Lanark,  1790. 

SALMON,  COLIN.     Dundee,  1811. 
SANDERSON,  ALEXANDER.     Dunblane,  1798. 

SANDERSON,  JOHN.     Wigtown,  1715. 

It  is  only  through  the  records  of  the  Edinburgh 
Hammermen  that  any  information  of  this  maker  is  to 
be  found,  and  the  mention  of  his  name  is  due  to  the 
exercising  of  one  of  their  "  rights,"  namely,  the  searching 
of  the  market  in  Edinburgh  to  see  if  any  articles  were 
exposed  for  sale  by  unfreemen.  Two  clocks  were 
offered  for  sale  by  Sanderson,  and  this  infringement  was 
duly  noted  and  the  articles  at  once  seized.  The  minutes 
which  follow  explain  exactly  how  the  matter  was 
settled. 

i8t/i  May  1715. — "The  meeting  appoints  the  two 
clocks  taken  from  John  Sanderson,  clockmaker  in 
Wigtoun  in  England,  to  be  restored  back  again  upon 
payment  of  twenty  shillings  sterling  for  the  use  of  the 
poor  of  the  Incorporation,  and  granting  bond  not  to 
import  into  this  burgh  or  privileges  thereof  any  clocks 
or  watches  or  any  other  work  than  that  made  by  the 
members  of  the  Incorporation  in  any  time  hereafter 
under  the  penalty  of  £120  Scots.  Toties  quoties" 

2\st  May  1715. — "The  bond  appointed  by  the  last 
sederunt  to  be  granted  by  John  Sanderson,  watchmaker, 
in  the  terms  of  the  minute  as  specified,  was  accordingly 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  335 

granted,  which  the  boxmaster  received,  and  the  twenty 
shillings  for  the  use  of  the  poor." 

Particulars  of  three  clocks  made  by  this  maker  have 
reached  me  :  one,  a  very  fine  one,  now  located  at  St 
Louis,  Missouri,  America,  the  others  being  in  Edin- 
burgh and  South  Queensferry.  These  last  two  have  a 
verse  of  Scripture  engraved  on  the  dials,  showing  the 
religious  temperament  of  the  maker,  and  as  we  notice  in 
the  Boxmaster's  accounts  recording  the  payment  of  the 
fine,  he  is  termed  a  Quaker,  which  may  account  for 
these  pious  texts. 

SANDY,  JAMES.     Alyth,  1780-1819. 

"  The  originality  of  genius  and  eccentricity  of 
character  which  distinguished  this  remarkable  person 
were  perhaps  never  surpassed.  Deprived  at  an  early 
age  of  the  use  of  his  legs,  he  contrived  by  dint  of 
ingenuity  not  only  to  pass  his  time  agreeably,  but  to 
render  himself  a  useful  member  of  society.  He  soon 
displayed  a  taste  for  mechanical  pursuits,  and  contrived 
as  a  workshop  for  his  operations  a  sort  of  circular  bed, 
the  sides  of  which,  being  raised  about  eighteen  inches 
above  the  clothes,  were  employed  as  a  platform  for 
turning  lathes,  table  vices,  and  cases  for  tools  of  all 
kinds.  His  genius  for  practical  mechanics  was  universal. 
He  was  skilled  in  all  sorts  of  turning,  and  constructed 
several  curious  lathes,  as  well  as  clocks  and  musical 
instruments  of  every  description  no  less  admired  for  the 
sweetness  of  their  tone  than  the  elegance  of  their 
execution.  He  excelled,  too,  in  the  construction  of 
optical  instruments,  and  made  some  reflecting  telescopes, 
the  specula  of  which  were  not  inferior  to  those  finished 
by  the  most  eminent  London  artists.  He  suggested 
some  important  improvements  in  the  machinery  for 
spinning  flax,  and  he  was  the  first  who  made  the 
wooden  jointed  snufif-boxes  generally  called  Laurence- 
kirk  boxes,  some  of  which  fabricated  by  this  self-taught 
artist  were  purchased  and  sent  as  presents  to  the  Royal 
Family. 

"  For  upwards  of  50  years  he  quitted  his  bed  only 
three  times,  and  on  these  occasions  his  house  was  either 
inundated  with  water  or  threatened  with  danger  from 
fire.  Naturally  possessed  with  a  good  constitution  and 
an  active,  cheerful  turn  of  mind,  his  house  was  the 


336  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

general  coffee-room  of  the  village,  where  the  affairs  both 
of  Church  and  State  were  discussed  with  the  utmost 
freedom.  In  consequence  of  his  long  confinement  his 
countenance  had  rather  a  sickly  cast,  but  it  was 
remarkably  expressive,  and  would  have  afforded  a  fine 
subject  for  the  pencil  of  Wilkie,  particularly  when  he 
was  surrounded  by  his  country  friends.  This  singular 
man  had  acquired  by  his  ingenuity  and  industry  an 
honourable  independence,  and  died  possessed  of  con- 
siderable property.  In  short,  his  history  holds  out  this 
very  instructive  lesson,  that  no  difficulties  are  too  great 
to  be  overcome  by  industry  and  perseverance,  and  that 
genius,  though  it  should  sometimes  miss  the  distinction 
it  deserves,  will  seldom  fail  unless  by  its  own  fault  to 
secure  competence  and  respectability.  He  was  married 
only  three  weeks  before  his  death,  which  occurred  on 
3rd  April  1819." — Edinburgh  Advertiser,  3Oth  April 
1819. 

SANGSTER,  ALEXANDER.     Rose  Street,  Peterhead,  1837. 
SCOT,  JAMES.     Dalkeith,  1760. 

"  Lost  on  Friday  the  22nd  instant,  betwixt  Channel- 
kirk  and  Dalkeith,  a  silver  watch,  maker's  name 
J.  Steel,  London,  No.  101.  Whoever  has  found  the  said 
watch  and  will  return  it  to  James  Scot,  Clockmaker  in 
Dalkeith,  will  receive  half  a  guinea  of  reward." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  25th  August  1760. 

SCOTT,  ANDREW.     Water  of  Leith,  Edinburgh,  1764-76. 

Booked  apprentice  to  George  Monro,  Canongate, 
2Qth  April  1764. 

SCOTT,  ANDREW.     Dingwall,  1794. 

SCOTT,  ANDREW.     Dundee,  1776. 

SCOTT,  DAVID.     73  High  Street,  Dundee,  1850. 

SCOTT,  DAVID.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1750. 

SCOTT,  FREDERICK.     3  Overgate,  Dundee,  1837. 

SCOTT,  GEORGE.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1716-55. 

Married  Christian  Scott,  indweller  in  Edinburgh 
1 8th  September  1746. 

Admitted  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker,  C.  H., 
3rd  October  1716.  See  notes  on  George  Monro. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKEfcS  337 

SCOTT,  JAMES.    Shore,  Leith,  1774-91. 

"  Lost  on  Saturday  last,  the  3Oth  April,  betwixt  the 
south  end  of  Potterrow  and  Leith  Walk,  by  the  way  of 
the  Bridges,  a  small  silver  watch,  maker's  name  William 
Creak,  London,  No.  9772,  and  marked  on  the  outside  of 
the  inner  case,  D.  G.  It  had  a  steel  chain  with  a  large 
seal  set  in  silver,  having  the  impression  of  a  head.  One 
Guinea  of  reward  will  be  given  to  the  persons  who  shall 
return  the  above  at  the  Printing  Office  or  to  Mr  James 
Scott,  Clockmaker,  Leith." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant, 
9th  May  1791. 

SCOTT,  JAMES.     Kirk  Wynd,  Selkirk,  1837. 
SCOTT,  JOHN.     Princes  Street,  Edinburgh,  1779-98. 

"Bound  apprentice  to  James  Gray,  I3th  January 
1779.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  3Oth  July  1785. 
Presented  a  petition  craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman 
in  E.  H.,  6th  May  1786."— E.  H.  Records. 

"  SCOTT,  Watch  and  Clock  Maker  to  his  Royal  High- 
ness the  Prince  of  Wales,  No.  2  East  Register  Street, 
Edinburgh,  having  been  lately  for  a  considerable  time 
in  London,  studying  under  the  direction  of  some  of  the 
best  artists  in  England,  humbly  solicits  the  patronage  of 
a  generous  public.  He  returns  his  most  grateful  thanks 
for  the  numerous  favours  he  has  already  received,  and 
begs  leave  to  assure  those  who  shall  do  him  the  honour  to 
employ  him,  that  his  most  assiduous  endeavours  shall 
ever  be  used  to  deserve  their  patronage.  J.  Scott  makes, 
repairs,  and  cleans  watches  with  detached  escapements, 
the  newest  and  best  construction,  musical,  spring, 
quarter,  plain,  and  all  other  sorts  of  clocks.  N.B. 
Commissions  will  be  punctually  attended  to." — Edinburgh 
Advertiser,  3Oth  November  1790. 

"GILDING  OF  WATCHES. — Scott,  Watchmaker  to 
his  Royal  Highness  the  Prince  of  Wales,  returns  his 
grateful  thanks,  and  to  the  public  in  general,  for  the 
encouragement  he  has  already  met  from  them  in  the 
Clock  and  Watch  trade  ;  hopes  for  a  continuance  of  their 
favours,  and  assures  those  who  shall  honour  him  with 
their  employment  that  his  most  assiduous  endeavours 
shall  always  be  exerted  to  make  his  work  give  general 
satisfaction.  He  takes  this  opportunity  of  informing 
the  public  that  he  has  invented  a  new  method  of  gilding 
on  metal  which  is  far  superior  in  lustre  and  durability 
to  the  method  formerly  practised  in  Britain. 

Y 


338  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

"J.  S.  begs  leave  to  inform  the  Lord-Lieutenants, 
Noblemen,  and  Gentlemen  commanding  the  Militia  and 
other  Military  Corps  in  Scotland,  that  he  has  of  late 
manufactured  and  gilded  swords  and  other  military 
accoutrements  for  a  number  of  volunteer  corps,  and  will 
execute  any  further  orders  with  despatch.  He  manu- 
factures regulation  swords  as  ordered  by  his  Majesty 
for  the  army,  upon  more  reasonable  terms  than  has 
hitherto  been  done  in  England.  Officers  may  have  their 
swords  regilded,  and  those  who  have  blades  only  may 
have  them  fitted  up  after  the  regulation  pattern. 

"  N.B. — Watchmakers  may  have  inside  works  of 
watches  or  cases  gilded  that  will  have  a  superior  richness 
either  in  the  French  or  British  style  upon  the  shortest 
notice  and  upon  reasonable  terms,  13  Princes  Street, 
Edinburgh." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  2ist  May 
1791. 

"SALE  OF  A  WATCHMAKER'S  STOCK. — The  whole 
goods  in  the  shop  occupied  by  the  deceased  John  Scott, 
watchmaker,  Princes  Street,  Edinburgh,  with  the  counters 
and  glass  cases,  works,  tools,  and  possession  of  the  shop 
till  Whitsunday  next,  are  to  be  sold  by  public  roup  for 
behoof  of  his  creditors  within  the  shop  itself  upon 
Monday  the  I7th  day  of  September  curt.  The  roup  to 
begin  at  ten  o'clock  forenoon.  The  goods  consist  of  a 
number  of  spring  clocks,  watch  movements  nearly  finished, 
Gold,  Gilded  and  Steel  Chains  in  great  variety, 
particularly  a  large  assortment  of  ladies'  watch  chains, 
Gold  and  Metal  Seals,  Peeble  blocks,  with  complete  sets 
of  working  tools,  a  watch  engine,  Implements  for  gilding, 
with  a  complete  set  of  burnishers.  The  whole  will  be 
set  up  in  large  or  smaller  lots  as  intending  purchasers 
may  incline.  The  stock  is  well  worth  the  attention  of 
any  person  wishing  to  enter  into  the  clock  and  watch 
trade  as  it  presents  an  opportunity  of  setting  themselves 
in  a  fixed  business  at  once.  Inventories  of  the  whole 
goods  may  be  seen  at  the  shop  or  in  the  hands  of 
Thomas  Stewart,  solicitor-at-law,  Mid  Rose  Street,  who 
will  treat  with  any  person  wishing  to  make  a  private 
bargain  for  the  whole  betwixt  and  the  day  of  sale." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  I5th  September  1798. 

SCOTT,  JOHN.     Portsburgh,  Edinburgh,   1770-1802. 

Booked  apprentice  to  James  Hutton,  Portsburgh,  5th 
May  1770. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  339 

"Lost  a  silver  watch  with  a  steel  chain  and  seal 
between  Lauriston  and  Grassmarket,  on  Monday  fore- 
noon the  1 3th  September,  maker's  name  Joseph  Addison, 
London,  No.  903.  Whoever  will  return  the  same  to 
John  Scott,  watchmaker,  West  Port,  Edinburgh,  will 
receive  a  handsome  reward." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant)  i8th  September  1802. 

"  Isabella  Scott,  in  Edinburgh,  served  Co-Heir  General 
to  her  father  John  Scott,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker  there, 
dated  3rd  December  1851.  Recorded  nth  December 
1851 ." — Services  of  Heirs. 

SCOTT,  ROBERT.     Virginia,  America,  1779. 

"  Robert  Scott,  watchmaker  in  Virginia,  served  Heir 
General  to  his  father  George  Scott  in  North  Leith,  one 
time   baker   in   Edinburgh,   dated    2ist    May    1779."- 
Services  of  Heirs. 

SCOTT,  W7ALTER.     Lauder,  1780. 

SCOTT,  WILLIAM.     69  Overgate,  Dundee,  1820. 

SCOTT,  WILLIAM.  Aberdeen,  1798;  sometime  of  London 
and  afterwards  at  Falkirk  and  thereafter  at  Hardgate, 
Aberdeen. 

"To  be  exposed  to  sale  by  public  roup  on  Monday 
the  4th  of  "March,  in  the  Hall  of  the  New  Inn,  Castle 
Street,  Aberdeen,  a  great  variety  of  Watchmakers'  and 
other  tools ;  also  a  very  valuable  pocket  chronometer 
or  longitudinal  watch  in  Arnold's  construction,  in  strong 
gold  case,  the  whole  of  the  holes  jewelled  with  a 
going  fusee,  all  the  acting  parts  of  the  escapement 
jewelled,  a  thermometer  balance,  several  gold,  silver, 
and  metal  watches,  and  a  table  clock — all  the  property 
of  the  deceased  William  Scott,  sometime  of  London  and 
lately  residing  in  the  Hardgate." — Caledonian  Mercury, 
25th  February  1799. 

SCOTT,  WILLIAM.     Ferryport-on-Craig,  Fife,  1837. 
SCOTT  &  Co.,  Clock  Dial  Makers.     Glasgow,  1837. 
SCOTT  &  STEELE.    13  Princes  Street,  Edinburgh,  1790-99. 
SCRYMGEOUR,  JAMES.      90  Glassford   Street,  Glasgow, 
1816-37. 

SCRYMGEOUR,  JAMES.     Aberdeen,  1846. 
SELLAR,  JOHN.     Elgin,  1820-37. 


340  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

SHARP,  ROBERT.     Coldstream,  1825. 

SHARP,  ROBERT.     Jedburgh,  1815-25. 

SHARPE,  FRANCIS.     3  Church  Place,  Dumfries,  1837. 

SHEARER,  MICHAEL.     Edinburgh,  1786-1825. 

"  A  CURIOUS  ORGAN  CLOCK. — Mr  Shearer,  wooden 
clock  maker,  middle  of  the  West  Bow,  Edinburgh,  returns 
his  most  grateful  thanks  to  the  ladies  and  gentlemen 
and  the  public  in  general  for  former  favours,  and 
acquaints  them  that  he  continues  to  make,  sell,  and 
repair  all  sorts  of  wooden  clocks  and  musical  clocks  in 
the  neatest  taste  and  on  the  lowest  terms.  Mr  Shearer 
has  just  finished  an  organ  clock  which  plays  eight 
principal  tunes — its  equal  has  never  been  produced  in 
this  country  for  elegance  and  beauty.  It  has  two  stops, 
a  Diapason  and  Principal.  It  has  an  elegant  carved 
and  gilded  dial  and  a  mock  organ  in  the  arch  with  a 
man  playing  on  the  organ.  If  the  above  clock  is  not 
sold  in  a  short  time  M.  S.  intends  to  dispose  of  it  by  way 
of  lottery.  The  clock  is  to  be  seen  at  his  own  house 
(gratis).  N.B.  Commissions  in  town  and  from  the 
country  carefully  attended  to  and  expeditiously  an- 
swered."— Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  3rd  March  1788. 

SHEARER  &  WALKER.     35  Arcade,  Glasgow,  1836. 

SHEARER,  MRS  CHARLES.     38  Glassford  Street,  Glasgow, 
1836. 

SHEDDEN,  CHARLES.  3  George  Street,  Perth,  1813-71 
"THE  INCORPORATED  TRADES. — In  the  evening 
the  Trades  dined  in  the  various  Hotels,  when  the  usual 
supply  of  Breadalbane  venison  appeared  on  each  table. 
At  the  Hammermen's  dinner  in  the  British  Hotel,  Ex- 
Bailie  Shedden  was  presented  with  a  handsome  silver 
tea-set  and  a  silver  claret-jug.  The  presentation  was 
made  by  Bailie  Gray,  who  in  a  highly  complimentary 
speech  referred  to  the  able  manner  in  which  Bailie 
Shedden  had  performed  the  duties  devolving  upon  him 
as  Deacon  of  the  Hammermen's  Incorporation  during 
the  past  25  years.  The  tea-pot  and  claret-jug  bear  the 
following  inscription : — 

" '  Presented  by  the  Hammermen  Incorporation 
of  Perth  to  Charles  Shedden  as  a  mark  of  respect 
and  esteem,  and  in  testimony  of  his  energetic,  zealous, 
faithful,  and  efficient  services,  as  Deacon  for  the 
period  of  25  years — Perth,  7th  October  1863.' 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  341 

"  The  service  is  £50  in  value,  and  was  furnished  by  Mr 
D.  Greig,  8  John  Street,  Perth." — Source  unknown. 

"  Our  obituary  of  to-day  contains  an  intimation  of 
the  death  of  Mr  Charles  Shedden,  watchmaker,  formerly 
one  of  the  Magistrates  of  the  City,  Convener  of  the 
Trades,  and  Deacon  of  the  Hammermen  Incorporation, 
which  took  place  on  Thursday  at  his  residence  in  Princes 
Street.  Deceased,  owing  to  failing  health  and  the 
infirmities  incident  to  old  age,  retired  from  his 
business  several  years  ago,  and  had  attained  to  the 
advanced  age  of  79  years.  He  was  a  native  of  Perth, 
and  during  upwards  of  half  a  century  followed  the 
calling  of  a  clock  and  watch  maker,  and  was  a  person 
of  enterprise  and  activity.  He  was  during  the  long 
period  of  28  years  Deacon  of  the  Hammermen  In- 
corporation, and  devoted  a  great  deal  of  his  time  to 
the  promotion  of  its  interests.  He  likewise  for  some 
time  filled  the  office  of  Convener  of  the  Incorporated 
Trades.  During  a  number  of  years  he  was  entrusted 
by  the  Town  Council  with  the  charge  of  keeping  in 
order  the  public  clock  and  the  music  bells  in  the  tower 
of  St  John's  Church.  In  1835  he  was  appointed  by 
the  Council  Inspector  of  Weights  and  Measures  for 
the  Burgh.  Until  incapacitated  by  failing  health,  he 
discharged  the  duties  of  the  latter  office  with  much 
satisfaction  and  acceptability,  and,  in  fact,  he  performed 
all  his  public  duties  with  faithfulness  and  integrity. 
About  1850,  he  for  three  years  filled  the  office  of  a 
Magistrate  of  the  city.  He  was  a  Liberal  Conservative 
and  a  staunch  supporter  of  the  Church  of  Scotland, 
though  not  much  of  an  ardent  political  or  ecclesiastical 
partisan.  He  was  of  a  social  and  genial  disposition,  and 
had  many  friends  among  his  fellow-citizens,  by  whom 
his  demise  will  be  greatly  regretted." — Source  unknown. 

SHEILL,  JAMES.     Earlston,  1730. 

"  Isobel  Sheill  or  Pringle,  wife  of  James  Sheill, 
watchmaker  in  Earlston,  served  Heir  Portr.  of  Line  to 
her  father  George  Pringle,  meal  dealer  there.  Dated 
1 8th  July  1730." — Services  of  Heirs. 

SHERRIFF,  WILLIAM.    Edinburgh,  1727. 

Son  of  the  deceased  Alex.  Sherriff,  painter  in  Edin- 
burgh ;  booked  apprentice  to  Hugh  Barclay,  nth 
November  1727.  See  notes  on  Hugh  Barclay. 


342  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

SHIER,  THOMAS.     Lowe  Street,  Banff,  1837. 
SHORT,  RAMSAY.     Edinburgh,   1781. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Robert  Clidsdale. 

SHORT,    THOMAS.      Edinburgh.      Keeper   of  the   Calton 
Observatory,   1777. 

SIM,  JOHN.     Longside,  Aberdeenshire,  1837. 
SI  ME,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1768. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Robert  Clidsdale,  27th  January 
1768. 

SIMPSON,  DAVID.     Portree,  Isle  of  Skye,   1837. 

SIMPSON,  JOHN.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1761. 

Booked  apprentice  to  George  Monro,  1761. 
SIMPSON,  JOHN.     Hamilton  Street,  Girvan,  1850. 
SIMPSON,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1761-68. 

Booked  apprentice  to  John  Brown,  1st  August  1761. 
Discharged  of  his  indentures  I3th  August  1768. 

SIMS,  FRANCIS.     Edinburgh,  1767. 

SINCLAIR,  ALEXANDER.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1764. 
Booked  apprentice  to  George  Monro. 

SINCLAIR,  ALEXANDER.     Edinburgh,  1767. 

Booked  apprentice  to  Normond  Macpherson,  6th 
July  1767. 

SINCLAIR,  JAMES.     Alloa,  1835. 

SINCLAIR,  PETER.     67  Canning  Street,  Glasgow,  1837. 

SKELTON,  GEORGE.     Edinburgh,  1773-1834. 

"  Bound  apprentice  to  William  Downie,  i6th  March 
1773.  The  Incorporation  gave  their  consent  to  him  to 
serve  out  his  time  with  Normond  Macpherson,  present 
Deacon,  8th  February  1777.  Discharged  of  his  inden- 
tures 6th  May  1780.  Presented  a  petition  craving  to 
be  admitted  freeman  on  29th  January  1785.  On  the 
application  of  George  Skelton  he  was  allowed  one 
month  more  to  give  in  his  essay,  I2th  November  1785. 
Compeared  on  27th  December  1785,  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  plain  watch  movement  begun,  made,  and 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  343 

finished  in  his  own  shop  in  presence  of  Robert  Aitchison, 
landlord,  Laurence  Dalgleish,  Thomas  Reid,  and  William 
White,  essay  masters,  as  they  declared." — E.  H.  Records. 

"WATCHMAKING. — George  Skelton,  watchmaker,  a 
little  below  the  Cross  Well,  north  side  of  the  High 
Street,  Edinburgh,  partner  and  successor  to  the  late 
Mr  Samuel  Brown  (q.v.),  returns  his  grateful  thanks  to 
the  company's  employers  in  general,  and  his  friends 
in  particular ;  begs  leave  to  acquaint  them  that  he 
carries  on  the  business  in  all  its  branches  as  formerly. 
G.  Skelton  had  the  entire  management  of  the  business 
during  the  last  three  years  of  Mr  Brown's  life,  which 
he  flatters  himself  has  given  general  satisfaction,  and 
he  hopes  by  unremitting  attention  to  merit  a  continua- 
tion of  the  public  favour  which  he  now  solicits.  Those 
who  are  indebted  to  the  Company  will  please  order 
payment  as  soon  as  possible  to  G.  Skelton,  who  will 
grant  proper  discharges." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant, 
1 5th  December  1787. 

"  George  Skelton  respectfully  acquaints  his  friends 
and  the  public  that,  on  account  of  the  buildings  being 
taken  down,  he  has  removed  from  his  old  shop  near  the 
Cross  Well  to  the  Parliament  Close,  south  side,  where  he 
continues  to  carry  on  the  business  in  all  its  branches, 
and  solicits  continuance  of  their  favours." — Edinburgh 
Advertiser,  I4th  June  1793. 

"SHOP  REMOVED. — George  Skelton,  watchmaker, 
respectfully  acquaints  his  friends  and  the  public  that 
he  is  now  removed  from  No.  2  Hunter  Square,  to  that 
shop  formerly  occupied  by  the  late  Mr  Samuel  Brown 
and  him,  below  the  Cross  Well,  north  side  of  the  High 
Street,  now  rebuilt,  where  he  continues  to  carry  on  the 
business  in  all  its  branches,  etc." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  I3th  June  1796. 

See  Laurence  Dalgleish,  i8th  June  1808,  page  98. 

"As  a  gentleman  was  going  from  the  Old  to  the 
New  town  on  Sunday  evening  last,  he  was  jostled  by 
two  persons  opposite  to  the  Register  Office,  who  picked 
his  pocket  of  a  silver  hunting  watch  and  two  gold  seals, 
maker's  name  Laurence  Dalgleish,  No.  504.  Whoever 
will  bring  the  watch  and  seals  to  George  Skelton, 
watchmaker,  opposite  to  the  Cross  Well,  will  be  rewarded 
and  no  questions  asked." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant, 
3rd  February  1810. 


344  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

"  George  Skelton,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker,  No.  257 
High  Street,  begs  leave  to  inform  his  friends  and  the 
public,  that  having  retired  from  business  he  has  no  more 
concern  with  the  trade  now  carried  on  in  his  former 
premises.  He  would  request  the  favour  of  those 
indebted  to  him  to  pay  their  accounts  at  his  own 
house,  33  Richmond  Place." — Ibid.,  2Oth  February  1834. 

His  death  occurring,  as  far  as  we  can  discover,  about 
the  end  of  1834,  closed  a  business  career  which  was 
unique  among  the  craftsmen  of  Edinburgh.  When  we 
consider  that  his  business  covered,  through  the  partner- 
ship he  entered  into,  a  period  of  one  hundred  and  fifty 
years,  and  had  been  in  the  possession  of  men,  each  of 
them  intimately  acquainted  with  one  another,  it  will 
be  seen  that  George  Skelton  has  some  claim  to  our 
admiration  in  having  successfully  preserved  a  connection 
which  was  a  feature  of  the  good  old  times. 

SKEOCH,  JAMES,  sen.     High  Street,  Stewarton,  1837. 

SKIRVING,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,,  1771-81. 

We  have  been  unable  to  find  out  where  this  maker 
was  trained.  His  election  as  a  freeman  of  the  Edinburgh 
Hammermen  was  opposed  by  the  whole  of  the  clock- 
makers  present  at  the  meeting  when  his  admission  was 
proposed.  The  minutes  which  follow  give  full  informa- 
tion regarding  it,  and  will  be  found  interesting  as 
affording  light  on  the  jealousy  prevailing  among  crafts- 
men in  Edinburgh  during  the  eighteenth  century. 

"At  MAGDALEN  CHAPEL,  23^  March  1771. — A 
letter  was  read  from  John  Skirving,  importing  that  he 
was  desirous  of  becoming  a  member  of  the  Incorporation 
as  a  clock  and  watch  maker,  and  that  he  was  willing  to 
pay  an  adequate  sum  on  account  of  his  not  having 
served  for  the  freedom.  Which  letter  was  remitted  to 
the  locksmith's  art,  with  power  to  them  to  meet  and 
report  their  opinion  against  next  quarter  meeting." 

^th  April  1771. — "The  locksmith's  art  met  according 
to  the  remittance  to  them  of  the  letter  sent  to  the 
Incorporation  by  John  Skirving,  and  after  reading  the 
same  Deacon  Lethem  communicated  to  the  art  another 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  345 

letter  from  the  said  John  Skirving  addressed  to  him. 
After  reasoning  on  both  these  letters  a  very  great 
majority  of  the  art  agreed  to  reject  his  offer  to  procure 
the  admission  into  the  Incorporation,  he  having  no  legal 
title  to  be  admitted  a  freeman  of  the  Incorporation." 

4/#  May  1771. — "A  motion  being  made  to  approve 
of  the  report,  after  a  good  deal  of  reasoning  thereanent, 
on  the  reading  of  the  letter  given  in  by  Mr  Lethem  to 
the  committee,  wherein  John  Skirving  offers  Fifty 
Guineas  for  the  freedom,  a  vote  was  proposed  and 
agreed  to  whether  or  not  the  report  should  be  approven 
of.  But  before  voting  William  Nicoll  protested  against 
any  such  vote  being  put,  and  took  instruments  to  whom 
William  Turnbull,  James  Cowan,  Robert  Aitchison, 
Robert  Clidsdale,  Samuel  Brown,  John  Gibson,  John 
Murdoch,  Normand  Macpherson,  William  Downie,  and 
James  Duff  adhered.  Thereafter  the  vote  being  put, 
stood  as  follows  : — 

"Approve  24;  not  approve  45.  The  Incorporation 
accordingly  disapproved  of  the  said  report  of  the  lock- 
smith's, whereupon  James  Cowan  again  protested  and 
took  instruments  in  respect  the  Incorporation  had  no 
power  to  admit  Skirving  without  the  consent  of  the 
watchmakers." 

\\th  May  1771. — "  A  bill  of  suspension  at  the  instance 
of  Samuel  Brown  and  other  watchmakers  intimated  to 
the  Deacon  being  presented  to  the  meeting,  containing 
a  demand  to  prohibit  the  Incorporation  from  entering 
John  Skirving,  which  being  read  and  reasoned  upon, 
several  members  of  the  Incorporation  being  of  opinion 
that  the  Incorporation  had  no  concern  to  answer  the 
bill,  a  note  was  proposed  and  seconded  whether  an 
answer  should  be  given  in  name  of  the  Incorporation  or 
not.  Before  the  vote  was  put  James  Cowan  protested 
that  however  the  vote  should  go,  that  no  part  of  the 
expence  should  be  paid  out  of  the  poor's  fund.  To 
whom  William  Nicoll  (and  names  as  in  former  minute) 
adhered.  Thereafter  the  vote  being  put,  it  carried  by  a 
majority  of  Forty  to  Thirty  that  the  bill  of  suspension 
should  be  answered  and  the  clerk  was  ordered  to  do  the 


346  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

same.  William  Turnbull  protested  that  if  the  expences 
of  the  answer  was  to  be  paid  out  of  the  funds  of  the 
Incorporation  the  suspension  should  likewise  be  entitled 
to  their  expences  out  of  the  same  funds,  and  thereupon 
took  instruments." 

\%th  May  1771. — "The  occasion  of  the  meeting 
being  to  consider  a  demand  made  by  the  watchmakers 
for  giving  their  agent  inspection  of  the  Seals  of  Cause 
and  Records  belonging  to  the  Incorporation,  which 
demand  the  Committee  thought  reasonable  and  author- 
ised the  clerk  to  give  inspection  required." 

\stjune  1771. — "  A  proposal  from  the  watchmakers 
being  made  for  admitting  John  Skirving  for  payment 
of  Eighty  pounds  Sterling,  and  other  members  proposing 
to  admit  him  for  payment  of  Sixty  pounds,  it  was 
motioned  that  as  the  watchmakers  had  intimated  a 
"sist,"  obtained  on  a  bill  of  suspension,  prohibiting  the 
Incorporation  from  entering  Skirving.  Which  though 
an  answer  was  made  thereto  was  not  yet  advised. 
There  would  be  a  danger  of  incurring  a  contempt  of 
authority;  was  the  Incorporation  to  proceed  in  that 
matter  before  the  suspension  was  refused  by  the  Lords? 
Whereupon  the  watchmakers  in  presence  of  the  whole 
house  agreed  to  pass  from  the  suspension  and  "  sist,"  and 
consented  that  the  Incorporation  should  immediately 
ascertain  the  sum  for  which  they  are  willing  to  admit 
John  Skirving  a  freeman.  And  the  watchmakers  at  the 
same  time  declared  that  they  would  pay  the  expenses 
of  any  process  with  John  Skirving,  which  should  happen 
in  consequence  of  the  Incorporation  ascertaining  the 
entry  money  to  be  a  greater  sum  than  Skirving  was 
willing  to  pay.  And  the  whole  watchmakers  present 
granted  an  obligation  for  that  purpose.  John  Spalding 
protested  that  no  watchmaker  should  have  a  vote  in  any 
question  relative  to  John  Skirving  as  they  were  and 
ought  to  be  considered  as  parties,  and  thereupon  took 
instruments.  To  whom  James  Aberdour  and  James 
Milne  adhered.  Thereafter  a  vote  was  proposed  and 
agreed  unto  whether  John  Skirving  should  be  admitted 
for  payment  of  Sixty  or  Eighty  pounds,  when  it  was 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  347 

carried  fifty  votes  to  nineteen  that  he  was  to  pay  Eighty 
pounds  Sterling  for  being  admitted  a  freeman,  and  the 
clerk  was  appointed  to  intimate  the  same  to  John 
Skirving.  At  the  above  vote  there  were  ten  watch- 
makers present  who  all  voted  Eighty  pounds." 

25/7*  June  1771. — "A  letter  being  read  from  John 
Skirving  offering  Seventy  pounds  Sterling  for  being 
admitted  a  freeman.  Which  being  considered,  the 
Incorporation,  notwithstanding  of  the  former  resolution 
ascertaining  the  sum  to  be  Eighty  pounds,  unanimously 
agree  to  admit  him  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker  for 
payment  of  Seventy  pounds  Sterling." 

"  Thereafter  compeared  the  said  John  Skirving  and 
presented  a  bill  craving  that  an  essay  and  essay  master 
should  be  appointed  upon  payment  of  the  said  Seventy 
pounds.  The  prayer  of  which  was  granted.  The  essay 
to  be  presented  between  and  Candlemas,  and  he  paid  to 
the  Treasurer  Thirty-five  pounds  sterling,  and  is  to  pay 
the  like  sum  at  his  entry." 

ist  February  1772. — "Compeared  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  spring  clock  for  repeating  the  quarters, 
begun,  made,  and  finished  in  James  Duffs  shop  in 
presence  of  James  Duff,  landlord,  Robert  Aitchison, 
William  Downie,  and  Thomas  Sibbald,  essay  masters  as 
they  declared,  which  was  found  to  be  a  well-wrought 
essay  and  able  to  serve  the  lieges.  He  was  thereafter 
admitted  a  freeman  clock  and  watch  maker.  He  paid 
the  Treasurer  Thirty-five  pounds  as  the  last  half  of  his 
upset,  and  in  token  of  his  consent  to  the  acts  of  the 
Incorporation  conform  to  the  oath  of  admission  taken  by 
him  he  signs  these  presents  Jno.  Skirving." — E.  H. 
Records. 

"  By  order  of  the  trustees  for  the  creditors  of  John 
Skirving,  Watchmaker  in  Edinburgh.  On  Wednesday 
next,  the  27th  curt,  will  be  sold  by  public  roup  at  the 
shop  of  the  said  John  Skirving  in  Luckenbooth's,  Edin- 
burgh, at  10  o'clock  forenoon,  his  whole  stock-in-trade, 
consisting  of  several  watches  and  eight-day  clocks,  with 
a  table  and  fine  musical  clock,  and  also  his  whole  tools, 
benches,  and  other  articles  used  by  clock  and  watch 


348  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

makers  ;  and  on  Thursday,  the  28th,  will  be  rouped  and 
sold  the  whole  household  furniture  that  belonged  to  the 
said  John  Skirving  at  his  house,  Dons  Close.  All  those 
standing  indebted  to  the  said  John  Skirving  are  desired 
immediately  to  pay  their  debts  to  Robert  Tenant,  at 
Mr  Sprotts,  writer,  Morocco  Close,  Canongate.  A 
person  will  attend  from  ten  to  two  o'clock  at  the  said 
shop  to-morrow  to  show  the  goods. 

"  N.B. — The  house  and  shop  are  to  be  let  to  Whitsun- 
day next — for  particulars  apply  as  above." — Caledonian 
Mercury,  25th  November  1776. 

"LOST,  the  30th  of  May  last,  1779,  in  or  about 
Edinburgh,  an  engraved  Metal  Watch,  name  H.  N. 
James,  Edinburgh,  No.  135.  Whoever  has  found  the 
same  will  please  acquaint  John  Skirving,  watchmaker, 
Parliament  Close,  Edinburgh,  and  they  will  receive  a 
handsome  reward." — Caledonian  Mercury,  4th  June  1779. 

2Jth  January  1781. — "  A  letter  was  read  from  John 
Skirving  craving  a  loan  and  offering  caution.  The 
Incorporation,  in  respect  of  the  former  regulations, 
refuse  to  lend  any  money  to  him  or  any  other  member 
of  the  house,  at  the  same  time  authorise  the  Treasurer 
to  lend  ten  guineas  to  the  person  proposed  to  be 
cautioner  upon  his  single  bill  payable  in  twelve  months, 
in  case  it  shall  appear  to  the  treasurer  and  his  committee 
that  such  person  is  apparently  in  good  circumstances." 

2\st  July  1781. — "John  Skirving,  upon  condition  of 
his  going  abroad  (after  reasoning  upon  his  letter 
acquainting  thereof),  authorises  Robert  Clidsdale,  Robert 
Aitchison,  and  Laurence  Dalgleish  to  give  to  or  pay  on 
his  account,  as  they  shall  think  proper,  fifteen  guineas, 
and  this  sum  the  treasurer  is  authorised  to  pay  to  the 
above  three  members." — E.  H.  Records. 

SLIM  AN,  ARCHIBALD.     Cumnock,  1837-50. 
SLIMEN,  WILLIAM.     21  High  Street,  Ayr,  1836. 
SMALL,  THOMAS.     Dundee,  1722. 
SMALL,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1769-75. 

Booked  apprentice  to  John  Murdoch,  28th  January 
1769.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  28th  January  1775- 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  349 

SMEITON,  CHARLES.    Dimbar,  1791. 

"  To  be  sold  by  private  bargain,  several  eight-day 
clocks  with  and  without  cases,  several  silver  watches, 
with  a  quantity  of  watch-glasses,  chains,  seals,  and  keys, 
being  the  whole  stock-in-trade  of  the  deceased  Charles 
Smeiton,  watchmaker  in  Dunbar.  The  whole  are  new 
and  fashionable  and  will  be  disposed  of  considerably 
below  prime  cost  for  the  encouragement  of  purchasers, 
who  will  be  shown  the  same  by  applying  to  Mr  John 
Tait,  town-clerk  of  Dunbar. 

"  N.B. — William  Drysdale,  watch  and  clock  maker 
from  Edinburgh,  is  now  carrying  on  that  business  at 
Dunbar,  and  has  always  on  hand  a  large  assortment  of 
clocks  and  watches  and  a  great  assortment  of  Hardware 
and  Jewellery  articles  which  he  sells  on  moderate 
terms." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  24th  February 
1791. 

SMITH,  ALEXANDER.  Dundee,  1718-42. 

SMITH,  ALEXANDER.  Keithhall,  Inverurie,  1846. 

SMITH,  ALEXANDER.  Low  Street,  Banff,  1845. 

SMITH,  ALEXANDER.  Tranent,  1837. 

SMITH,  ANDREW.     Prestonpans,  1830. 

Had  a  son   named   Robert  in   North   Berwick   and 
another  named  Alexander  in  Tranent,  both  clockmakers. 
SMITH,  A.  P.     Reform  Street,  Dundee,  1850. 
SMITH,  CHARLES.     James  Street,  Aberdeen,  1846. 
SMITH,  DAVID.     Pittenweem,  1827-34. 

SMITH,  DAVID.     South  Street,  St  Andrews,  1835-73. 

Business  continued  by  a  son  who  died  in  1904,  and 
still  carried  on  by  a  grandson  of  David. 

"  Helen  Coupar  or  Smith,  wife  of  D.  Smith,  watch- 
maker, St  Andrews,  served  Co-Heir  special  to  her  father, 
David  Coupar,  merchant  there,  who  died  6th  January 
1839,  in  shares  of  ground  called  the  Nib  in  Fifeshire 
dated  1 5th  March  1850.  Recorded  27th  March  1850."— 
Services  of  Heirs. 

SMITH,  GEORGE.     Gordon  Street,  Huntly,  1837-46. 
SMITH,  GEORGE.     High  Street,  Forres,  1837. 


350  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

SMITH,  GEORGE.    Edinburgh,  1647. 

It  is  not  unlikely  that  there  were  other  knokmakers 
in  Edinburgh  at  this  date,  but  this  George  Smith  is  the 
first  name  that  appears  in  the  Hammermen's  Records  as 
being  admitted  a  qualified  knokmaker  and  entered  as  a 
member  of  the  locksmith  craft.  This  last  branch  being 
made  imperative  on  every  aspirant  for  the  freedom  of 
the  Incorporation,  and  a  lock  and  key  were  invariably 
added  as  a  test  of  their  ability  along  with  the  essay 
peculiar  to  their  art.  When  the  Hammermen  decided 
to  allow  knokmakers  to  become  freemen  is  not  known, 
as  no  "  minute  "  is  to  be  found  recommending  such  an 
arrangement.  Possibly  there  were  so  few  of  them  in 
Edinburgh  before  this  time  that  it  was  not  worth  while 
forcing  them  to  join.  Always  suspicious  about  infringing 
their  privileges,  the  fact  of  an  outsider  making  the  clock 
for  their  meeting-place  drew  their  attention  to  a  matter 
that  they  were  shrewd  enough  to  see  would  give  rise  to 
endless  disputes.  No  doubt  they  were  informed  of  what 
had  been  done  in  London  in  this  same  matter,  as  the 
clockmakers  there  had  been  in  the  custom  of  associating 
themselves  under  the  blacksmith  trade,  but  being  more 
numerous  in  that  city  they  broke  away  from  this 
arrangement  and  formed  a  distinct  Incorporation  called 
the  Clockmakers'  Company  of  London  in  1631. 

As  there  was  at  least  one  clockmaker  before  1647, 
James  Smith,1  who  was  the  father  of  George  and  Robert 
Smith,  it  is  just  possible  that  he  took  advantage  of  the 
presence  of  James  Alisone  (q.v.)  being  in  Edinburgh  in 
1640-1  to  enlarge  his  own  experience  and  so  gain 
enough  extra  knowledge  and  practice  as  would  enable 
him  to  instruct  his  two  sons.  Be  that  as  it  may,  on  the 
6th  September  1647  the  records  bear  testimony  that  for 
the  first  time  in  the  history  of  the  Hammermen  two 
aspirants  presented  themselves  for  admission  as  freemen 
knokmakers.  As  their  admission  is  really  the  first 
authentic  account  of  the  beginning  of  an  industry  that, 

1  This  James  Smith  died  3ist  May  1660;  his  name  occurs  in  the 
volume  published  by  the  Scottish  Record  Society  of  the  list  of  names  of 
persons  buried  in  the  Greyfriars'  Churchyard,  Edinburgh. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  351 

as  year  after  year  rolled  on,  grew  to  great  dimensions 
in  Edinburgh,  we  give  the  minute  dealing  with  the 
admission  in  full,  as  being  of  some  interest : — 

"Apud  Magdalen  Chapel,  6th  September  1647. — The 
qlk  day  Georg  Smith,  locksmith  and  knok  maker,  in 
presence  of  the  Deacon,  Masters,  and  haill  house, 
presented  his  assay,  to  wit,  ane  lock  with  ane  key,  ane 
sprent  band,  and  ane  knok,  ane  mounter  and  dyell,  qlk 
was  found  ane  qualified  and  weill  wrocht  assay  able  to 
serve  the  king's  liegis.  Therefor  the  Deacon,  Masters, 
and  others  above  written,  with  consent  of  the  locksmiths 
and  knok  makers,  admitted  and  received  him  in  amongst 
them  as  an  freeman  in  the  said  arts,  and  that  in  respect 
he  was  lawfull  son  to  James  Smith,  locksmith  and  knok 
maker,  freeman  and  burgess  of  this  burgh.  His  assay 
masters,  Johne  Tueidie,  elder,  and  Patrick  Nicolsone, 
locksmiths,  gave  their  oath  as  use  is,  and  he  payed  to 
the  boxmaster  for  his  banquet  and  upset  thirty-three 
pounds,  six  shillings,  eight  pence,  gave  his  oath, 
subscribed  the  covenant,  produced  his  burgess  ticket 
conform  to  the  order,  payed  to  the  clerk  and  officer  their 
dues,  whereupon  this  act  is  made." 

As  his  name  does  not  appear  again  in  the  records, 
we  conclude  that  he  must  have  left  Edinburgh  and 
settled  in  some  other  town.  It  may  have  been  Dundee, 
as  a  George  Smith  put  in  order  a  clock  made  by  James 
Alisone,  which  had  become  faulty  in  1648 ;  and  to  follow 
this  surmise  further  we  have  a  William  Smith,  in  1660  in 
Dundee,  who  may  have  been  his  son,  repairing  a  clock 
at  the  request  of  the  Town  Council. 

SMITH,  JAMES.  Grantown,  Inverness-shire,  1837. 

SMITH,  JAMES.  Dundee,  1742. 

SMITH,  JAMES.  Bridgegate,  Irvine,  1837-50. 

SMITH,  JAMES.  Edinburgh,  1790-1806. 

"  On  the  evening  of  Wednesday  the  4th  of  August 
last,  a  gentleman  was  attacked  on  the  Earthen  Mound, 
betwixt  the  old  and  new  town  of  Edinburgh,  by  four 
men  who  knocked  him  down  and  robbed  him  of  a  gold 


352  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

watch  having  a  tortoise-shell  outer  case,  maker's  name 
Jas.  Smith,  Edinburgh,  No.  103,  with   a   silver  se'al."- 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  2ist  August  1790. 

"  Whereas,  on  the  evening  of  Thursday  the  9th  curt, 
a  gold  watch-chain  and  seal  of  which  had  been  robbed  on 
the  evening  of  Wednesday  the  4th  of  August  last  was 
found,  wrapped  in  a  grey  paper,  in  a  passage  leading 
to  a  common  stair  of  a  tenement  in  Shakespeare  Square. 
Whoever  will  give  information  to  the  Procurator-Fiscal 
of  the  County  or  city  of  Edinburgh,  of  the  person  or 
persons  in  whose  possession  the  said  watch-chain  and 
seal  have  at  any  time  been,  from  their  being  taken  from 
the  gentleman  till  found  as  above,  shall  receive  a  reward 
of  ten  guineas,  and  the  name  of  the  informer  shall  be 
concealed  if  required." — Ibid.,  nth  September  1790. 

"  On  Friday  last  there  was  lost  in  the  old  town  a 
gold  watch,  maker's  name  John  Lamb,  London,  No.  1994, 
with  a  gilt  chain  and  gold  seal.  Whoever  has  found 
the  same  will  please  return  them  to  Mr  Smith,  watch- 
maker, Leith  Terrace,  Edinburgh,  and  they  shall  receive 
a  handsome  reward." — Ibid.,  I4th  April  1796. 

SMITH,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1641-48. 

Although  as  far  back  as  the  year  1629  the  name 
of  James  Smith  appears  in  the  Hammermen  Records, 
it  is  not  until  1641  that  it  is  clear  that  he  was  a  knok- 
maker.  If  the  reader  will  turn  to  the  notes  on  the  clock 
and  bell  of  the  Magdalen  Chapel  (page  235),  it  will  be 
seen  that  the  committee  who  were  appointed  on  the 
23rd  of  February  1641  were  requested  to  meet  with  James 
Smith  or  any  other  knokmaker,  for  estimates,  etc.  This 
states  definitely  that  he  followed  that  art,  and  although 
he  did  not  get  the  contract  (see  James  Alisone),  he 
appears  to  have  had  sufficient  business  to  warrant 
him  making  his  two  sons  George  and  Robert  (q.v.) 
clockmakers.  They  were  the  first  two  whose  names 
appear  as  being  properly  qualified  knokmakers  in 
Edinburgh.  As  James  Smith's  name  disappears  from 
the  list  of  freemen  in  the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen 
after  1648,  it  is  surmised  that  his  death  took  place  about 
that  date.  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  in  the  list  given 
of  names  in  1640,  his  name  occurs  along  with  a  brother 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  353 

craftsman  named  Adame  Steill,  who  was,  as  a  little  note 
informs  us,  "kild  and  layd  in  ye  bed  of  honour  as  a 
valient  cavelier  at  Merstoun  Muir  near  Zork  (York)." 
This  gives  a  sidelight  on  which  side  the  Hammermen's 
sympathies  were. 
SMITH,  JOHN.  Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1680. 

Bracket  Clock  made  by  this  man  shown  at  Glasgow 
Exhibition  1911. 

SMITH,  JOHN.     Trongate,  Glasgow,  1783-1806. 

"  Lost,  by  a  gentleman  in  High  Street  on  Wednesday 
night  last,  a  gold  repeating  watch,  maker's  name 
Collondon,  Roux  &  Daffer,  No.  80.  Whoever  will 
return  it  to  John  Smith,  watchmaker,  Glasgow,  will 
receive  two  guineas  reward." — Glasgow  Courier,  7th 
April  1798. 

SMITH,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1819-22. 
SMITH,  JOHN.     Perth,    1791. 

Admitted  freeman  into  the  Incorporation  of  Hammer- 
men, Perth,  in  right  of  his  father,  1791. 

SMITH,  JOHN.     Pittenweem,  1770-1814. 

This  ingenious  craftsman,  owing  to  the  peculiar  side 
he  took  in  the  art  of  horology,  has  to  be  classed  along 
with  such  makers  as  Matthew  Parker  and  Thomas  Reid, 
who  were  also  his  contemporaries,  and  belonged  to  the 
same  county.  While  these  last  two  men  excelled  in 
the  production  of  movements  requiring  a  vast  amount  of 
calculation,  besides  great  skill  in  their  execution,  yet 
looking  at  the  effects  produced  by  John  Smith,  and  the 
mechanical  labour  involved  to  produce  such  effects, 
credit  must  be  allowed  to  him  for  the  obstacles  he 
surmounted  in  realising  his  ideas,  owing  to  the  secluded 
part  of  the  country  he  resided  in,  and  the  want  of  proper 
facilities  necessary  for  their  construction.  Living  at 
a  period  when  the  production  of  clocks  with  more  or 
less  elaborate  mechanical  effects  engaged  the  attention 
of  quite  a  number  of  capable  men  all  over  Scotland, 
it  was  left  to  the  then  obscure  fishing  village  of  Pitten- 
weem to  produce  a  man  who  gave  his  brother  craftsmen 
an  object-lesson  in  this  particular  form  of  clockmaking. 

z 


354  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

Unfortunately  the  place  where  he  learned  the  art 
is  not  recorded,  but  in  an  advertisement  issued  by 
himself  in  the  year  1775,  he  informs  us  that  "he  was 
bred  in  the  trade  and  had  never  been  out  of  the  country," 
inferring  that  although  he  was  a  regularly  bred  clockmaker 
yet  the  mechanical  parts  of  the  clocks  he  so  much  delighted 
in  making  were  entirely  the  work  of  his  own  hands,  and 
that  the  effects  were  entirely  original.  Competent 
judges  who  have  had  occasion  to  examine  some  of  those 
movements  are  astonished  at  the  ingenuity  displayed 
in  their  production,  and  the  means  taken  to  bring 
about  the  combinations  he  employed  in  working  out 
such  parts,  the  verdict  always  being  that  these  were 
more  than  the  labours  of  a  craftsman — they  were  the 
creations  of  a  genius.  Of  course  this  only  applies  to 
clocks  having  elaborate  movements,  as  it  is  certain  that 
he  was  assisted  in  the  production  of  the  ordinary  class  of 
timekeepers  by  skilled  journeymen.  But  his  fame  as 
being  more  than  an  ordinary  clockmaker  was  made  by 
the  clock  described  below ;  we  feel  certain  that  up  to  the 
date  of  its  finish  he  must  have  toiled  away  unassisted  to 
surmount  the  many  experiments  he  undertook  to  arrive 
at  the  intricate  movement  which  to-day  remains  as  a 
lasting  tribute  to  his  patience  and  skill.  Possibly  the 
first  he  constructed,  it  yet  remains  one  of  the  most 
elaborate,  and  an  account  of  it  is  well  worth  recording. 

"  The  case,  which  is  of  the  finest  mahogany,  is  seven 
feet  high  with  fluted  columns  on  each  side  of  the  body. 
Part  of  the  flutes  are  filled  with  brass  gilt  with  gold,  and 
have  brass  Corinthian  capitals  and  bases.  The  head  has 
columns  at  the  corners  with  similar  capitals.  The  upper 
part  of  the  head  is  ornamented  with  carving,  fretwork, 
birds'  eyes,  and  is  gilded,  having  a  golden  bird  with 
expanded  wings  standing  in  the  middle  of  the  head. 
This  case  contains  a  large  eight-day  musical  clock  with 
three  dial  plates,  and  a  chime  of  sixteen  bells.  The 
work  is  divided  into  five  different  parts,  each  of  which 
has  its  own  particular  weight.  The  first  is  the  going 
part,  the  second  drives  a  small  musical  barrel  which 
plays  a  pleasant  chime  at  the  first,  second,  and  third 


ELABORATE  MUSICAL  CLOCK, 

By  John  Smith,  Pittenweem,  1770-1814.     Valued  by  its  maker  at  ^900.     View  of 
Principal  Dial.     The  property  of  William  B.  Smith,  Esq.,  Glasgow.     (See  p.  361.) 

[To  face  page  354. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  355 

quarters,  and  plays  once  over  a  favourite  tune  before 
striking  the  hour.  The  third  part  strikes  the  hour,  and 
the  fourth  drives  a  large  musical  barrel  containing  eight 
celebrated  Scots  tunes  which  are  as  follows  : — 

i.  Highland  Laddie;  2.  Flowers  of  the  Forest; 
3.  Tweedside;  4.  Ettrick  Banks;* 5.  Lass  of  Patie's  Mill  ; 
6.  The  Bonniest  Lass  in  all  the  World;  7.  Logan  Water; 
8.  Roslin  Castle. 

One  tune  is  played  every  three  hours  with  great 
exactness.  The  last  part  changes  the  tune.  The  clock 
plays  the  eight  in  the  twenty-four  hours. 

"  The  front  dial  plate  measures  about  fifteen  inches 
and  has  an  arch ;  it  shows  the  hour  minute,  and 
second ;  and  also  the  day  of  the  month,  without  varia- 
tions, even  on  the  28th  of  February,  throughout  the 
whole  year.  In  this  plate  likewise  are  two  small  hands, 
one  of  which  discovers  the  day  of  the  week.  When 
Sunday  comes  these  words,  '  Remember  Sunday,'  is  cast 
up.  At  twelve  o'clock  on  Saturday  night  the  clock  stops 
playing  till  twelve  strikes  on  Sunday  night,  when  she 
begins  her  music  and  continues  all  the  week  till  Saturday 
night  again.  The  other  hand  stops  the  music,  hours, 
and  quarters,  at  pleasure. 

"The  dial  plate  on  the  right  hand  measures  about 
eight  inches.  It  contains  a  hand  that  points  to  the 
name  of  the  tune  the  clock  plays,  and  it  can  be  set  to 
play  any  of  them  at  pleasure.  A  small  hand  on  the 
arch  can  be  set  to  play  common  or  triple  time.  The 
dial  on  the  left  hand  is  of  the  same  dimensions  as  the 
one  on  the  right.  It  represents  the  front  of  a  house  with 
the  front  door  in  the  middle,  and  a  stair  with  the  King's 
Arms  in  the  arch.  At  each  side  of  the  door  stands  an 
armed  sentinel  in  the  livery  of  the  City  Guard  of 
Edinburgh,  painted  in  lively  colours  on  brass.  Inside 
the  doorway  you  see  the  macer  of  the  Lords  of  Council 
and  Session  dressed  in  his  robe  with  the  mace  in  his 
right  hand ;  and  as  soon  as  the  clock  begins  to  play  he 
takes  off  his  hat  with  his  left  hand  and  walks  past  the 
door.  Then  the  fifteen  Lords  dressed  in  their  robes, 
without  hats,  follow  in  procession.  When  the  Lords  are 


356  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

past,  you  see  the  macer  come  to  his  place  with  his  hat 
in  his  hand  and  put  it  on  again.  The  whole  is  well 
painted  on  thin  brass,  and  several  of  the  Lords  are 
allowed  to  be  striking  likenesses." 

In  one  of  the  contemporary  Edinburgh  newspapers 
a  letter  appears,  signed  by  one  who  calls  himself  "  A 
Lover  of  Genius,"  giving  the  above  description,  and 
this  "feeler"  is  followed  up  shortly  afterwards  by  the 
arrival  of  the  clock  in  Edinburgh  for  the  purpose  of 
exhibition  and  disposal.  This  was  in  the  year  1775,  and 
it  is  quite  plain  from  the  announcements  made  about  it 
that  the  movements  had  been  finished  long  before  the 
handsome  case  was  got  to  contain  them.  We  notice  in 
that  year,  from  the  Services  of  Heirs,  that  John  Smith 
was  served  heir  to  his  aunt  Helen  Smith  in  Cupar,  and 
this  may  have  helped  him  to  the  possession  of  the  means 
which  enabled  him  to  finish  it  and  bring  it  to  Edinburgh. 
Large  numbers  visited  it  at  Balfour's  Coffee  House,  each 
paying  one  shilling  to  see  it,  but  as  far  as  can  be 
gleaned,  although  every  endeavour  was  made,  no 
purchaser  was  got.  From  this  date  up  to  1804  no 
mention  of  it  is  to  be  found  either  as  to  location  or 
owner.  Probably  no  clock  made  by  a  Scotsman  has 
been  so  often  described  or  referred  to.  Accounts  of  it 
appeared  in  a  large  number  of  newspapers  and  magazines 
for  many  a  year  after,  but,  curiously  enough,  not  the 
slightest  hint  was  given  into  whose  hands  it  had  fallen. 
Some  years  ago  a  description  of  it  was  given  in 
the  pages  of  the  Weekly  Scotsman  to  see  if  its  location 
would  turn  up,  but  no  satisfactory  reply  was  received, 
although  one  now  in  Dundee  by  the  same  maker  was 
in  some  detail  similar,  but  not  the  one  described.  An 
account  of  this  same  clock  appeared  in  a  local  Fife 
newspaper  of  the  date  of  1891,  where  the  information 
was  given  that  "  John  Smith  took  it  to  London  for 
the  purpose  of  showing  it  to  King  George  III.,  but  un- 
fortunately ere  he  reached  the  metropolis  King  George 
was  blind  and  incapable  of  inspecting  it.  No  offer, 
however,  was  made  tempting  enough  to  induce  him  to 
part  with  it.  It  was,  therefore,  brought  back  to  Scotland 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  357 

and  eventually  disposed  of  by  Mr  Smith  to  a  landed 
proprietor  in  the  West  of  Fife."  The  article  closed 
thus :  "  The  clock  is  now  in  the  possession  of  a  London 
firm  who  are  offering  it  for  sale.  The  price  they  put 
upon  it  is  said  to  be  £24.0." 

This  is  how  one  writer  disposes  of  this  famous  clock, 
but  the  story  will  not  bear  examination.  King  George 
III.  did  not  turn  blind  until  after  1800,  at  least  twenty- 
five  years  after  the  clock  was  made.  The  writer  of  the 
article  strangely  mixes  up  another  clock  which  John 
Smith  took  to  London  in  1808  and  which  is  now  in  the 
possession  of  a  gentleman  near  Alloa  (this  one  will  be 
referred  to  further  on).  In  spite  of  the  publicity  of  the 
description  given  in  the  Weekly  Scotsman,  along  with 
other  journals,  nothing  transpired  to  identify  its  location 
or  owner.  We  had  despaired  of  hearing  anything  about 
it,  but  a  visit  to  Dalkeith  in  the  summer  of  1904  soon 
solved  the  mystery.  Going  into  a  local  watchmaker's 
shop,  a  custom  which  we  have  been  in  the  habit  of  doing, 
wherever  we  go,  to  have  a  chat  about  old  time  makers, 
the  young  man  in  charge  of  the  shop  informed  me  that 
John  Smith's  famous  clock  was  at  the  present  moment 
in  Dalkeith  Palace.  Inquiring  if  he  was  sure  that  it 
was  the  long-looked-for  clock,  he  replied  that  it  agreed 
exactly  with  the  description  given  in  our  book,  a  copy 
of  which  he  had  beside  him,  and  further,  that  as  he  had 
the  winding,  etc.,  of  all  the  clocks  in  the  house  to  attend 
to,  there  was  not  the  slightest  doubt  as  to  its  being  the 
self-same  clock. 

A  request  being  forwarded  to  the  proper  quarter  for 
permission  to  view  it  and  establish  its  identity,  it  was 
graciously  given  effect  to  by  his  Grace  the  late  Duke 
of  Buccleuch,  its  owner,  and  on  visiting  the  palace, 
to  our  delight,  this  masterpiece  was  seen  in  complete 
going  order.  Everything  in  the  description  was  duly 
compared  and  found  to  be  absolutely  correct,  and  while 
we  were  there  we  not  only  saw  the  procession  of  the 
judges,  but  the  musical  chime  played  sweetly  the  first 
tune  on  the  list,  namely,  "  Highland  Laddie."  The 
whole  clock  was  a  revelation,  everything  being  in  perfect 


358  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

condition.  Among  the  many  fine  clocks  and  timepieces 
to  be  found  in  this  splendid  mansion,  a  number  of  them 
being  masterpieces  of  French  and  English  makers,  the 
clock  by  our  old  Scots  craftsman  easily  held  its  own, 
both  as  regards  appearance  and  performance. 

To  think  that  after  a  period  of  more  than  a  century 
it  performs  its  useful  duty  as  time  -  keeper  and  its 
intricate  and  musical  effects  as  complete  as  when  first 
set  agoing,  points  not  only  to  the  excellence  of  the 
materials  and  workmanship  employed,  but  also  to  the 
care  displayed  in  its  preservation  by  its  noble  owners. 
How  long  it  has  been  in  the  possession  of  the  Buccleuch 
family  has  not  transpired,  but  the  late  Duke  of  Buccleuch 
was,  we  understand,  accustomed  to  its  presence  from 
childhood,  now  a  period  of  over  seventy  years.  This 
shows  that  its  location  in  Dalkeith  Palace  is  not  a  thing 
of  yesterday,  and  the  probability  is  that  an  ancestor  of 
the  duke  purchased  the  clock  when  it  was  shown  in 
Edinburgh  in  1775. 

Not  much  information  is  to  be  got  about  John  Smith 
after  the  above  date  till  the  year  1808,  when  he  again 
visited  Edinburgh  with  two  clocks,  a  description  of 
which  follows : — 

One  of  them  was  what  he  terms  a  table  clock,  four 
feet  ten  inches  high,  moved  by  springs  (see  p.  354). 
The  other  was  nine  feet  high,  moved  by  weights,  and 
having  four  dials.  The  first  and  largest  showed  the 
months  and  the  number  of  days  in  each ;  the  second,  the 
days  of  the  week,  with  "  Remember  the  Sabbath " 
opposite  Sunday ;  the  third,  having  directions  for 
arranging  the  striking  of  the  clock  ;  while  the  fourth 
told  the  seconds,  minutes,  and  hours.  It  had  an 
elaborate  scene  of  a  Royal  Procession,  and  also  had 
a  chime  of  twenty-four  bells,  which  played  the  following 
eight  tunes : — 

i.  Mary  Scott ;  2.  Duke  of  York's  March  ;  3.  Prince  of 
Wales'  March  ;  4.  The  Last  Time  I  came  ower  the  Muir  ; 
5.  God  Save  the  King;  6.  The  Wanking  of  the  Fauld  ; 
7.  Roslin  Castle ;  8.  My  Nannie. 

Advised  by  his  ardent  friends,  he  resolved  to  carry 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  359 

them  to  London.  The  journey  itself  in  those  days  with 
such  fragile  wares  was  enough  to  daunt  most  men,  but 
he  evidently  had  the  idea  that  London  was  the  only 
goal  where  his  labours  would  be  recognised  and 
recompensed.  On  his  arrival  there  he  had  the  honour 
of  exhibiting  these  two  clocks  to  the  Royal  Family  and 
nobility  and  gentry.  He  also  had  them  valued  by 
three  of  the  first  makers  in  London  whose  appraisement 
for  the  table  clock  was  fixed  at  the  respectable  figure  of 
nine  hundred  pounds ;  the  other  at  four  hundred  and 
seventy-two  pounds.  It  was  at  this  date,  on  his  second 
visit  to  London,  that  he  devoted  his  leisure  time  to 
mastering  the  intricacies  of  watchmaking.  To  what 
success  he  arrived  at  is  not  known,  but  the  fact  remains 
that  watches  bearing  his  name  are  exceeding  rare  (we 
have  only  heard  of  three),  showing  that  his  forte  lay  in 
clockmaking. 

While  no  doubt  he  made  a  little  by  exhibiting  his 
handiwork,  no  purchasers  were  to  be  found,  so  there  was 
nothing  else  but  to  pack  them  up  again  and  return  to 
Scotland.  Arriving  in  Edinburgh  about  the  beginning 
of  the  year  1809,  he  proceeded  to  try  his  fortune  with  the 
citizens  by  the  usual  plan  then  of  a  lottery.  Knowing 
that  the  prices  put  upon  them  were  prohibitive,  he  set 
about  in  earnest  to  make  his  scheme  as  attractive  as 
possible.  As  two  prizes  were  not  enough  to  draw 
subscriptions,  he  added  six  eight-day  clocks l  in  mahogany 
cases,  with  moon's  age  and  tide,  value  ten  guineas  each, 
one  small  gold  watch  with  double  cases,  horizontal 
capped  and  jewelled,  value  £26,  53.,  two  silver  watches 
at  six  guineas  each,  and  three  at  three  and  a  half  guineas 
each.  The  £900  clock  was  reduced  to  the  curious 
valuation  of  £892,  ios.,  making  the  fourteen  prizes  of 
the  value  of  £1477,  75.  6d.  This  was  a  big  project,  and 
as  he  fixed  the  price  of  each  ticket  at  half  a  guinea, 
it  meant  the  disposal  of  nearly  3000  tickets.  He  kept 
this  subscription  open  for  six  months,  and  at  the  end 
of  that  period  the  drawing  took  place.  The  first  prize 
was  drawn  by  ticket  No.  773,  the  second  by  No.  766, 
1  $ee  illustration 


360  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

the  third  by  2768,  and  so  on  ;  but  into  whose  hands  the 
prizes  fell  at  this  drawing  has  not  transpired.  The 
results,  we  are  afraid,  did  not  come  up  to  the  exposer's 
expectations,  for  it  appears  that  after  paying  the 
necessary  expenses  incurred,  he  cleared  £500,  not  one 
half  the  sum  he  valued  the  clocks  at. 

Towards  the  close  of  the  year  1899  a  short  account 
of  these  two  clocks  was  given  in  the  pages  of  the 
Weekly  Scotsman  (a  paper  that  circulates  wherever 
Scotsmen  are  to  be  found),  with  the  view  of  ascertaining 
if  possible  if  they  were  in  existence,  and  their  location. 
To  our  surprise,  on  roth  December  1899  a  communication 
was  received  from  Colonel  Harvey,  Schaw  Park,  Clack- 
mannan, informing  us  that  having  read  the  description 
given  in  the  Weekly  Scotsman,  he  begged  to  state  that  a 
clock  corresponding  to  the  description  given,  made  by 
John  Smith,  Pittenweem,  was  in  his  possession.  After 
describing  more  fully  some  details,  he  explained  that 
unfortunately, "  some  years  ago,  when  in  the  act  of  being 
removed  it  fell,  and  the  workings  of  the  procession  were 
damaged.  The  clock  itself,  however,  goes  and  keeps 
good  time,  and  I  don't  doubt  that  this  is  the  same  clock, 
which  was  for  many  years  in  the  possession  of  my 
grandfather,  Mr  Fernie  of  Kilmux." 

In  addition  to  the  above  there  was  also  received 
from  Mr  J.  D.  Wallace,  Watchmaker,  Mill  Street,  Alloa, 
corroboration  as  to  the  identity  of  the  clock.  He  wrote, 
"  I  have  had  the  honour  of  cleaning  the  clock,  which 
stands  in  the  front  hall  of  one  of  the  large  mansions 
in  the  neighbourhood,  that  of  Colonel  J.  Bald  Harvey, 
Schaw  Park.  I  was  glad  to  get  the  history  of  it,  and 
whenever  I  read  it  I  recognised  it  at  once.  Colonel 
Harvey  is  to  be  congratulated  on  having  in  his  posses- 
sion such  a  fine  specimen  of  the  clockmaker's  art." 

This  is  conclusive,  and  leaves  no  doubt  as  to  the 
location  of  another  fine  specimen  of  this  ingenious 
man's  skill.  On  i$th  January  1900,  the  late  Rev.  H.  L. 
Nelthropp,  M.A.,  Past  Master  of  the  Worshipful  Com- 
pany of  Clockmakers,  London,  wrote  to  me  that  "a 
musical  clock  made  by  John  Smith,  Pittenweem,  North 


ELABORATE  MUSICAL  CLOCK. 

Enlarged  view  of  principal  Dial,  showing  four  subordinate  dials  controlling  four 
separate  movements,  also  tide  and  moon  phases  in  arch  at  top.     (See  p.  361.") 


[To  face  page  360. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  361 

Britain,  having  painted  dial  showing  days  of  the  week, 
and  month  and  moon  phases,  painted  at  the  sides  with 
a  view  of  the  Horse  Guards,  and  revolving  procession 
of  figures  and  other  mechanical  movements,  fifty-eight 
inches  high,  standing  on  a  square-shaped  pedestal,  was 
sold  at  Messrs  Christie,  Manson,  &  Woods,  8  King 
Street,  St  James  Square,  London."  This  is  the  table 
clock  mentioned  on  page  359,  which  John  Smith  valued 
at  £900. 

In  supplementing  the  foregoing  information  we  are 
now  enabled  by  the  courtesy  and  kindness  of  its  present 
owner,  William  B.  Smith,  Esq.,  156  St  Vincent  Street, 
Glasgow,  to  present  more  fully  additional  particulars 
about  this  elaborate  and  unique  musical  clock.  Standing, 
as  it  does,  over  four  feet  in  height,  it  nowhere  exhibits  the 
least  traces  of  being  out  of  proportions.  Every  part  has 
been  carefully  studied,  and  consequently  its  three  dials, 
though  differently  treated,  harmonise  as  a  whole  in  a 
wonderful  manner.  These  three  dials,  of  course,  show 
the  particular  movements  they  indicate,  and  the  wonder  is 
that,  considering  the  limited  space  at  the  disposal  of  the 
ingenious  craftsman,  so  much  has  been  accomplished. 
In  addition  to  the  going  part  of  the  clock,  it  has  musical 
barrels  pricked  for  the  large  number  of  sixteen  tunes. 
Then  a  procession  which  represents  a  number  of  figures 
portraying  the  then  Royal  Family  fixed  upon  a  revolving 
circle  of  brass,  and  also  the  moon  and  calendar  parts, 
give  a  faint  idea  of  the  complexity  of  its  construction. 
There  is  not  the  slightest  doubt  that  John  Smith  brought 
all  the  powers  of  his  life-long  experience  into  its 
execution.  The  case,  which  is  made  of  oak,  is  gilded, 
and  that  such  a  celebrated  artist  as  Alexander  Nasmyth 
is  responsible  for  the  various  scenes  and  figures  with 
which  its  dials  are  adorned,  sufficiently  accounts  for  the 
high  value  set  upon  it,  when  newly  made.  Although 
now  over  a  century  has  passed  since  it  was  set  agoing 
every  part  to-day  is  in  complete  working  order,  and  it 
remains  at  the  present  time  a  marvel  of  patience  and 
skill. 

Jt  may  be  explained  that  it  chimes  the  first,  second, 


362  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

and  third  quarters,  but  at  the  fourth  quarter  or  hour  it 
plays  one  of  the  airs  in  the  first  list  and  then  strikes 
the  hour.  The  quarter  chimes  are  not  any  of  the  con- 
ventional chimes,  such  as  Westminster,  Cambridge,  or 
Whittingham  chimes,  but  seem  to  have  been  specially 
composed  for  it  as  they  vary  as  often  as  the  airs  do,  that 
is,  they  have  eight  different  changes  for  the  quarters. 

The  following  is  the  list  of  airs  marked  on  the  Music 
Dials — sixteen  in  all : — 


Outer  Circle. 

1.  Roslin  Castle. 

2.  The  Last  Time  I  came 

o'er  the  Muir. 

3.  My  Nannie  O. 

4.  God  Save  the  King. 

5.  Prince  of  Wales'  March. 

6.  Duke  of  York's  March. 

7.  Katharine  Ogie. 

8.  Etterick  Bank. 


Inner  Circle. 

1.  Free      and      Accepted 

Mason. 

2.  Bellisle  March. 

3.  Yellow  Hair'd  Laddie. 

4.  East  Nook  of  Fife. 

5.  100  Psalm  Tune. 

6.  Nancy  Dawson. 

7.  Lang     Awa,    Welcome 

Home,  my  Dearie. 

8.  Up      and      Warthema 

Willie. 


The  airs  named  in  the  inner  circle  are  at  each  hour 
instead  of  a  chime  before  the  hour  is  struck  on  the  hour 
bell :  each  tune  is  played  for  three  hours  in  succession, 
and  then  the  barrel  changes  to  the  next  one.  The  airs 
named  in  the  outer  circle  are  played  every  third  hour, 
and  form  a  march  to  the  procession  of  the  Royal  Family 
on  the  opposite  dial.  After  playing  the  march  it  changes 
on  to  the  next  air.  On  Sundays  both  airs  and  procession 
stopped. 

Particulars  of  quite  a  number  of  ordinary  eight-day 
clocks  have  been  received,  all  more  or  less  worthy  of  the 
maker,  but  as  these  are  in  no  way  distinguished  from 
others  made  by  less  celebrated  men,  we  now  only  note 
where  five  of  his  more  elaborate  clocks  are  at  present 
located,  namely,  Dalkeith  Palace,  Clackmannan,  Dundee, 
Glasgow,  and  Burntisland.  This  last  was  brought  to 
Edinburgh  to  be  sold  by  auction  jn  Powell's  Room, 


ELABORATE  MUSICAL  CLOCK. 

Enlarged  view  of  Music  Dial,   showing  decorative  treatment,  top  and 
bottom  of  dial,  with  names  of  all  the  airs  it  performs. 

[  To  face  page  362. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  363 

George  Street,  on  Saturday  the  I2th  of  March  1904. 
It  was  marked  lot  244  in  the  catalogue,  and  described  as 
"  Fine  old  grandfather  chiming  clock,  by  John  Smith, 
Pittenweem ;  plays  four  old  Scots  tunes :  *  Maggie 
Lauder/  'The  Lea  Rig,'  'The  Wauken  o'  the  Fauld,' 
and  'The  Flowers  of  Edinburgh';  omits  playing  on 
Sunday — see  dial  plate  '  Rem'ber  Sabbath/  in  mahogany 
case." 

It  passed  into  the  possession  of  J.  Johnstone  Kirke, 
Esq.,  of  Rosend,  Guildford,  Surrey,  a  son  of  the  late 
owner,  at  the  price  of  90  guineas.  The  following 
particulars  regarding  its  former  history  were  kindly 
forwarded  to  us : — "  It  was  bought  by  Mr  Kirke,  my 
grandfather,  on  the  28th  of  July  1858,  at  the  second  of 
the  three  days'  sale  of  the  effects  of  Mr  Thomas  Shaw, 
Keeper  of  the  Register  of  Sasines  for  the  County  of  Fife. 
The  price  paid  for  it  I  do  not  know.  The  clock 
'  Maggie  Lauder '  has  been  in  our  family  for  nearly 
50  years,  and,  as  can  be  seen  above,  will  still  remain  in 
the  family."  The  present  owner  was  kind  enough  to 
forward  three  capital  photographs  of  this  clock  along 
with  the  information  "that  it  has  suffered  very  little 
in  transit  and  is  going  steadily." 

From  1809  up  to  his  death  on  the  nth  April  1814 
we  have  been  unable  to  unearth  any  further  information 
about  this  ingenious  man  ;  but  it  is  highly  probable  that 
with  the  sum  realised  by  the  venture  of  the  lottery  and 
the  profits  of  a  good-going  business  he  was  enabled  to 
spend  the  remainder  of  his  days  in  that  leisure  which  he 
richly  deserved. 

A  pilgrimage  on  our  part  to  the  quaint  little  town  of 
Pittenweem  for  the  purpose  of  gleaning  any  new  facts 
about  him  brought  to  light  the  interest  taken  regarding 
his  memory  and  work  by  the  dwellers  in  Pittenweem. 
It  appeared  to  us  that  his  fame  will  long  be  preserved, 
owing  to  the  appreciation  of  his  talents  by  all  classes  in 
that  old-world  fishing  town,  and  an  interview  with  one 
of  their  oldest  and  most  highly  respected  townsmen,  a 
watchmaker  of  the  ripe  old  age  of  eighty  years,  showed 
how  deeply  he  felt  being  a  native  of  the  place  that  produced 


364  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

such  a  clockmaker  as  John  Smith.  Naturally  he  was 
interested  in  our  inquiries,  and  the  fact  that  his  own 
grandfather  had  been  an  apprentice  of  Smith's  drew  out, 
among  other  traditions,  that  John  Smith  was  credited  as 
being  able  to  do  anything — nothing  was  too  difficult  for 
him  to  turn  his  attention  to.  One  incident  he  related 
as  showing  the  versatility  of  his  genius,  was  that  one  of 
the  Bailies  of  Pittenweem  had  the  misfortune  to  get 
a  sixpence  broken  into  two  pieces.  Unwilling  to  loose 
such  a  sum  he  took  it  to  John  Smith  and  inquired  if  he 
could  mend  it.  This  he  was  not  long  in  doing,  and  the 
Bailie,  greatly  pleased,  asked  the  charge  for  so  small  a 
job.  The  answer  was  sixpence,  which  was  paid,  but 
with  a  grudge. 

The  site  was  pointed  out  where  the  old  craftsman 
had  his  shop,  it  being  nearly  opposite  the  Water  Wynd, 
a  steep  descent  that  leads  down  to  the  harbour.  All 
traces  of  this  workshop  have  passed  away,  a  modern 
erection  now  taking  its  place.  Along  with  this  has  also 
disappeared  the  old  town  clock,  which  was  the  work  of 
his  hands.  It  had  done  duty  for  nearly  ninety  years, 
and  partly  from  old  age  and  also  having  been  constructed 
to  go  only  forty-eight  hours  without  fresh  winding,  was 
supplanted  by  a  new  one  near  the  close  of  last  century. 

Our  wanderings  included  a  visit  to  the  old  church- 
yard, which  is  situated  under  the  shade  of  the  tower  in 
which  this  old  public  clock  was  placed,  to  see  if  there 
were  any  memorial  stone  marking  his  last  resting-place. 
This  "  God's  acre  "  does  not  cover  a  great  extent,  but  it 
took  some  time  to  discover  the  stone  which  marks  his 
burial  ground.  Owing  to  its  modest  appearance  and 
from  the  illegibility  of  the  lettering  it  could  easily  be 
missed,  and  we  regret  to  say  that  unless  some  steps  are 
taken  to  recut  the  inscriptions  it  will  only  be  a  matter  of 
a  few  years  until  the  whole  will  have  disappeared.  This 
monument  consists  of  an  oblong,  upright  stone  standing 
about  three  feet  above  the  ground  and  divided  into 
three  spaces,  a  centre  panel  and  two  pilasters.  It  bears 
on  the  centre  space  the  following  inscription:  "John 
Smith  erected  this  stone  in  memory  of  Helen  Brown, 


ELABORATE  MUSICAL  CLOCK. 

View  of  Procession,  Dial,  and  its  Decorative  Treatment.  Figures  of  the  then 
Royal  Family,  fifteen  in  number,  are  shown  here,  passing  opening  between  the  two 
lower  niches.  Note  the  heraldic  quartering  of  the  Royal  Arms  in  arch,  which 
show  the  inclusion  of  that  of  France. 

I  To  Jace  page  364 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  365 

his  beloved  spouse" — (rest  undecipherable).  On  left 
pilaster,  "  Be  ye  not  slothful,  but  followers  of  them  " l 
— (rest  undecipherable).  On  right  pilaster,  "  How  happy 
the  husband  in  such  a  sharer  of  my  bed " — (rest 
undecipherable).  There  is  nothing  left  recording  his 
own  memory,  if  buried  here,  but  as  two-thirds  of  the 
stone  is  entirely  wasted  the  preservation  of  what  is 
left  is  due  to  the  fact  that  these  are  the  parts  farthest 
from  the  ground.  The  probability  is  that  his  own  name 
filled  up  the  lower  part  and  has  now  entirely  vanished. 

What  is  noted  here  was  only  deciphered  after  a  good 
deal  of  patience  and  trouble,  but  enough  has  been  quoted 
to  show  that  this  stone  undoubtedly  marks  the  site  of 
his  last  resting-place.  The  uncommon  inscription  on 
the  right  pilaster  reveals  the  tender,  loving  husband. 
We  were  informed  that  during  an  alteration  in  the 
interior  of  the  church,  which  is  close  to  his  tomb,  an  old 
timepiece,  which  was  affixed  to  the  front  of  the  gallery 
was  removed,  and  a  brass  plate  was  discovered  bearing 
the  following  inscription  :  "  Presented  by  John  Smith  in 
loving  memory  of  my  spouse."  One  Sabbath  evening 
a  visit  was  paid  to  Smith's  grave  just  as  the  congre- 
gation in  the  church  were  singing  the  concluding  hymn, 
"The  sands  of  time  are  sinking."  This  well-known 
hymn  created  a  great  impression  on  our  mind,  for 
there,  at  our  feet,  lay  one  who  had  made  good  use  of 
his  time,  and  now  waits  "  Till  dawn  of  Heaven  breaks." 

SMITH,  ROBERT.    Edinburgh,  1647-60. 

"  Son  of  James  Smith  (q.v.),  knokmaker,  Edinburgh, 
and  brother  of  George  Smith  (q.v.) ;  admitted  freeman 
knokmaker  on  the  same  day  as  his  brother  and  under 
the  same  conditions,  but  with  the  exception  that  the  two 
*  essay  masters'  were  different,  one  being  named  Andro 
Bronne,  the  other  James  Pattone." 

The  admission  of  these  two  brothers  as  members  of 
this  close  incorporation  does  not  seem  to  have  been 

1  The  following  may  be  the  full  reading,  which  is  noted  on  a  tomb- 
stone at  Anstruther  and  quite  near  to  Pittenweem  :  "  Be  ye  not  slothful, 
but  followers  of  them  who  through  faith  and  patience  inherit  the 
promises"  (Heb.  vi.  12). 


366  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

unanimous.     The  jealousy  of  kindred  trades  appear  to 
have  been  aroused,  as  the  following  minute  bears  out : — 

"Apud  MAGDALEN  CHAPEL. 

"  6th  September  164.7. — The  qlk  day  Johne  Sharpe, 
Brasier,  in  name  of  the  rest  of  his  airt,  askit  in  termis 
that  the  above  namit  George  &  Robert  Smith  should 
not  work  ony  copper  or  brass,  but  that  allenerlie 
appertene  to  their  essay.  This  was  betwixt  and  8 
hours  in  the  morning  in  the  place  foresaid,  in  presence 
of  the  Deacon  and  others,  etc." 

This  protest  did  no  harm,  but  the  brazier  craft 
wanted  to  make  it  clear  that  clockmakers  were  not 
to  take  in  hand  work  outside  of  their  own  trade,  a 
condition  which  was  rigorously  adhered  to  by  that  body. 

As  Robert  Smith's  name  only  turns  up  in  the  records 
once  again,  namely,  in  connection  with  the  dispute  over 
his  apprentice  James  Kirk  (q.v.)  in  1648,  we  conclude 
that  the  evidence  of  the  treatment  of  the  lad  was  so 
conclusive  that  it  is  just  possible  he  would  have  some 
difficulty  in  getting  new  apprentices,  consequently  his 
name  would  be  left  out  in  their  transactions.  He 
married  Elspeth  Alexander  on  i/th  August  1660. 

SMITH,  ROBERT.     High  Street,  North  Berwick,  1835. 
SMITH,    ROBERT.      17    Church    Street,    Inverness,    1840. 

See  note  on  William  Smith,  Church  Street,  Inverness. 
SMITH,  ROBERT.     Irvine,  1820. 
SMITH,  WALTER.     Aberdeen,  1799. 
SMITH,  WILLIAM.     Church  Street,  Inverness,  1805-53. 

"Mr  William  Smith,  who  died  in  1853,  started 
business,  it  is  believed,  about  the  year  1805  in  the  shop 
which,  30  years  ago,  was  known  as  No.  77  Church  Street, 
and  which  stood  on  the  site  of  the  western  entrance  to 
Queensgate.  He  was  succeeded  by  his  son  Robert 
Smith,  by  whom,  over  forty  years  ago,  our  esteemed 
townsman  Mr  Alexander  Dallas  was  initiated  into  the 
mysteries  of  the  profession.  Mr  Dallas  occupied  the 
same  shop  as  apprentice  and  master  till  1874,  when  he 
removed  a  few  yards  nearer  the  south  end  of,  the  street, 
next  door  to  the  Episcopal  Church,  and  for  twenty-seven 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  367 

years  conducted  a  steady  and  prosperous  business  at 
No.  30.  Now,  with  the  completion  of  the  south  side  of 
Queensgate,  which  also  includes  a  portion  of  the  block 
in  Church  Street,  Mr  Dallas  is  back  to  No.  44  and  very 
close  to  the  scene  of  his  early  labours,  of  which  he  has 
many  happy  reminiscences.  The  new  shop  is  a  decided 
improvement." — Highland  News •,  29th  June  1901. 

SMITH,  WILLIAM.     Foot  of  Leith  Walk,  Leith,  1825. 
SMITH,  WILLIAM.     Bridgegate,  Irvine,  1821-50. 
SMITH,  WILLIAM.     Loanhead,  1836. 

SMITH,  WILLIAM.     Perth,  1772. 

Apprenticed  to  James  Greig,  1772. 

SMITH,  WILLIAM.    Musselburgh,  1847-1903. 

"  Description  and  drawing  of  a  time-piece  moved  by 
a  spring  of  Vulcanized  Caoutchouc,  read  at  a  meeting 
of  the  Society  of  Arts  held  at  Edinburgh,  3Oth  April 
1849,  by  William  Smith,  Musselburgh,  for  which  the 
Society's  Silver  Medal,  value  five  sovereigns,  was  awarded. 
The  author  stated  that  he  conceives  the  superiority  of 
this  spring  to  consist  in  its  perfect  invariability  from  the 
absence  of  friction,  and  the  simplicity  of  its  application, 
being  in  the  form  of  a  ring,  one  end  of  which  is  passed 
through  a  piece  of  steel  with  an  eye,  to  which  is  attached 
a  hook  connecting  it  with  the  pulley,  both  ends  being 
fixed  at  the  bottom  of  the  column  by  a  steel  pin  passed 
over  them." 

SMITH,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1815. 

Apprenticed  to  Robert  Bryson,  4th  November  1815. 

SMITH,  WILLIAM.     Fort  William,  1837. 

SMITH,  WILLIAM.     Dundee,  1668. 

SMYTH,  GEORGE.     Glasgow,  1610.     See  page  161. 

SMYTHE,  PHILEMON.     Edinburgh,  1800. 

SOMERVILLE    [SOMERVEIL],    DAVID.      St     Ninians, 
1805-20. 

The  following  letter  (no  date)  refers  in  a  whimsical 
manner  to  the  above  clockmaker.  It  also  affords  a 
sidelight  on  the  temperament  of  the  writer,  the  late 
Hugh  Scott  Riddell,  1796-1870  (one  of  our  minor 


368  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

Scottish  poets),  who  evidently  was  residing  at  Bridge  of 
Allan  at  the  time  it  was  penned  : — 

"  Confined  by  rain  to  the  house.  Tormented  by  a 
clock,  the  most  solemn,  precise,  pedantic  horologe  that 
ever  proclaimed  the  flight  of  time.  It  has  just  struck 
eleven,  and  in  the  same  space  of  time  might  with 
moderate  rapidity  have  struck  thirty.  How  it  will 
manage  to  get  through  its  meridian  task,  I  wot  not.  It 
is  animated,  I  verily  believe,  by  the  ghost  of  a  dominie. 

"There  is  a  certain  nasal  twang  of  most  insuffer- 
able conceit  in  every  stroke.  Twang — (long  pause) — 
Twang — Twang — a  most  villainous  highland  tone,  and 
yet,  on  inspection,  I  find  the  clock  was  made  by  D. 
Somerveil  of  St  Ninians.  (Sketch  of  the  clock  head 
comes  in  here.)  It  rains  profusely,  but  tho'  it  should 
pour  like  the  Forth,  I  will  fly  from  this  house  when 
warning  is  given  of  St  Ninians'  noonday  operations.  I 
could  not  endure  to  hear  the  snivelling,  drawling  block- 
head twanging  one  dozen  mortal  blows  on  the  empty 
skull  of  the  patient  bell.  I  wish  I  could  commit  to  paper 
the  image  in  my  mind's  eye  of  the  old  snuffy  dominie 
with  his  scratch  wig  of  penurious  locks,  and  long-backed, 
broad-skirted  blue  coat,  but  I  am  not  a  Harvey — or  a 
Macduffor  a  Wilkie — else  I  should  exorcise  that  clock 
and  make  its  professor  the  pedagogue  stand  forth  in 
black  and  white.  After  12  I  shall  have  peace  for  4  or 
5  hours,  but  then  my  trials  will  begin  again  anew. 

"  How  the  evening  is  to  be  got  thus  I  cannot  tell. — 
Hark — is  that  the  warning  of  Ringan — let  me  fly." 

SOMERVILLE,  ROBERT.    Glasgow,  1798-1804. 
SPARK,  WILLIAM.     Marischal  Street,  Aberdeen,  1820. 
SPEED,  GEORGE.     Dundee,  1749. 

SPINK, .     Elgin  subsequent  to  1820. 

SPENCE,  HUGH.     Gordon  Street,  Huntly,  1837. 
SPENCE,  JOHN.     South  End,  Stromness,  Orkney,  1836. 
SPENCE,  ROBERT.     Dysart,  Fife,  1780. 
SPENCE,  THOMAS.     Dysart,  Fife,  1780. 
SPENS,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1808. 

Apprenticed  to  John  Picken,  3Oth  April  1808. 
SPITTAL,  JAMES.     Glasgow,  1793. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKM AKERS  369 

SPRUNT,  DAVID.     41  George  Street,  Perth,  1848. 
STEEL,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1810. 

Apprenticed  to  Robert  Green,  3rd  November  1810. 
STEEL,  PETER.    Perth,  1792. 

Apprenticed  to  James  Young,  1792. 
STEEL,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh,  1784. 

Apprenticed  to  John  Macpherson,  2Oth  July  1784. 
STEEL,  THOMAS.     High  Street,  Kirkintilloch,  1837. 
STEEL,  WILLIAM.    Glasgow,  1 8 1 8. 

STEELE,    ALEXANDER.      6    South    St    Andrew    Street, 
Edinburgh,  1799. 

"  A.  Steele,  late  partner  of  the  company  of  Scott  & 
Steele,  Clock  and  Watch  Makers,  Princes  Street,  Edin- 
burgh, begs  leave  to  inform  the  public  that  he  carries  on 
the  Clock  and  Watch  Making  trade  in  all  its  branches, 
for  his  own  behoof,  at  his  shop  No.  6  St  Andrew  Street. 
A.  Steele,  from  his  long  and  constant  employment  in 
the  repairing  of  watches  of  every  description,  both  while 
he  managed  as  partner  and  while  he  acted  under  the 
late  Mr  Scott  as  journeyman,  has  acquired  such 
proficiency  in  the  trade  that  he  trusts  he  will  give  full 
satisfaction  to  those  who  shall  be  pleased  to  favour  him 
with  their  employment." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant, 
8th  August  1799. 

STEELE,  ALEXANDER.     13    Princes    Street,    Edinburgh, 
1800. 

STEELE,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1802. 

Apprenticed  to  Robert  Hinmers,  2nd  November 
1802. 

STEELL,  ALEXANDER.     Edinburgh,  1795. 
STEINSONE,  ROBERT.    Glasgow,  1690. 
STEPHEN,  JAMES.     Old  Meldrum,  Aberdeenshire,  1837. 

STEVENSON,  ADAM.      Dunfermline,  1723-52.     See  notes 
on  Dunfermline  Town  Clocks,  page  128. 

STEVENSON,  ALEXANDER.     Edinburgh,  1779-86. 

"  Bound  apprentice  to  James  Cowan,  2nd  April 
1779.  The  Incorporation  directs  him  to  finish  his 

2  A 


370  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

indentures  with  Thomas  Reid,  I7th  September  1785. 
Discharged  of  his  indentures,  6th  May  1786."  — 
E.  H.  Records. 

STEVENSON,    DAVID.     Kilmarnock  ;   died  1  3th   January 

1786. 
STEVENSON,  WILLIAM  HART.     Edinburgh,  1766-81. 

"  Booked  apprentice  to  Normond  Macpherson,  3Oth 
May  1766.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  23rd 
September  1773.  Petitioned  that  the  Incorporation 
authorise  the  treasurer  to  repay  him  nine  pounds 
sterling,  which  he  had  paid  as  the  first  half  of  his 
entry  money,  having  now  laid  aside  all  thoughts  of 
becoming  a  freeman  upon  a  proper  discharge."  — 
E.  H.  Records. 

STEWART,  ALEXANDER.    Edinburgh,  1722. 

"  Son  to  ye  deceasit  Mr  James  Stewart  of  Tugrey  ; 
booked  apprentice  to  Patrick  Gordon,  3rd  February 
1722." 

STEWART,    ALEXANDER     BAIKIE.      Kirkwall,    Orkney, 


STEWART,  ALLAN  &  ROBERT.     162  Trongate,  Glasgow, 


STEWART,  CHARLES.     Brown  Street,  Blairgowrie,  1836. 

STEWART,    CHARLES.     Edinburgh,  1766. 

Apprenticed  to  William  Downie,  nth  July  1766. 

STEWART,  FRANCIS.     High  Street,  Brechin,  1837. 

STEWART,  GEORGE.     Perth,  1765. 

Apprenticed  to  William  Young,  26th  February  1765. 

STEWART,  JAMES.     Trongate,  Glasgow,  1778-99. 

"  Lost  last  week  in  Glasgow,  a  silver  watch,  maker's 
name  E.  Steel,  Whitehaven,  without  any  number,  with 
a  gold  seal  and  Saracen's  Head  as  crest.  Whoever  will 
return  it  to  James  Stewart,  Trongate,  Glasgow,  shall  be 
handsomely  rewarded."  —  Glasgow  Courier^  i6th  February 
I797- 
STEWART,  JOHN.  Auchterarder,  1837. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  371 

STEWART,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1772. 

Apprenticed    to    John    Skirving,    nth    November 
1772. 
STEWART,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1771. 

Booked   apprentice   to   William   Downie,  9th  April 


STEWART,  JOHN.     Dunbar,  1792. 

STEWART,  ROBERT.     Allan  Street,  Blairgowrie,  1836. 

STEWART,  ROBERT.    Trongate,  Glasgow,  1841. 

STEWART,  THOMAS.     Auchterarder,  1798. 

STIEL  or  STEILL,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1741-55. 

"Lawful  son  to  Archibald  Stiel,  late  schoolmaster 
at  Kilbirnie  ;  booked  apprentice  to  John  Brown,  watch- 
maker, 2nd  May  1741.  Presented  a  bill  for  being 
admitted  a  watchmaker  in  right  of  his  service,  5th 
November  1748.  Compeared  on  6th  May  1749  and 
presented  his  essay,  being  a  plain  eight-day  clock. 
His  essay  masters  were  George  Aitken,  Archibald 
Straiten,  and  William  Nicoll.  His  essay  was  made  in 
his  own  shop,  John  Brown,  landlord."  —  E.  H.  Records. 

"Lost  between  Bonnington  Mills  and  the  city  a 
small  sized  silver  watch  with  a  green  silk  string,  the 
maker's  name  Lemoyne,  London,  number  forgot.  Who- 
ever has  found  it  or  knows  anything  of  it  will  be  so 
good  as  to  acquaint  John  Stiel,  watchmaker  in  Edin- 
burgh, who  will  handsomely  reward  you."  —  Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  22nd  March  1750. 

"  Lost  between  Leith  and  Edinburgh  a  silver  watch, 
maker's  name  Tobe  Garrison,  Ipswich.  The  watch 
had  a  silver  seal  with  a  red  ribbon.  Whoever  has 
found  the  same  by  delivering  it  to  John  Stiel,  watch- 
maker, opposite  to  the  Cross,  Edinburgh,  shall  be 
handsomely  rewarded."  —  Caledonian  Mercury,  loth 
October  1752. 

"Margaret  Boswell  or  Steill,  wife  of  John  Steill, 
watchmaker,  married  3rd  June  1750,  in  Edinburgh, 
served  Heir  of  Provision  General  to  her  father,  Alex- 
ander Boswell,  painter  there,  dated  i6th  July  1752. 
Recorded  I4th  November  1752."  —  Services  of  Heirs. 


372  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

STILL,  WILLIAM.    44  Gelleymill  Street,  Aberdeen,  1846. 

STIRLING,  ROBERT.     9  Baker  Street,  Stirling,  1820-60. 

STIRLING — Notices  regarding  the  Common  Clock  of  the 
Burgh  of,  from  1519  to  1548. 

i$th  February  1519. — Johne  Bully,  presented  in 
presence  of  the  provost  and  baillies  an  instrument  of 
Sir  Alexander  Fressall  hand  (writing),  the  quilk 
proportit  and  bare  in  the  selfe  the  donation  and 
gift  of  the  parocht  (parish)  clerkship  and  the  keeping 
of  the  Knok  for  all  the  days  of  his  lifetime  as  he 
allegit." 

I'jth  January  1520. — "Johne  Bully  protested  that 
the  provost,  baillies  nor  council  of  this  said  burgh  should 
not  be  displeased  at  him  quhowbeit  he  called  them 
and  pursued  them  before  another  judge  for  the  wrong- 
ful holding  of  his  fee  for  keeping  of  the  Knok  as  he 
allegit,  nor  that  it  should  hurt  him  or  his  freedom 
by  any  ways.  The  saidis  Provest,  baillies,  and  council 
being  present  for  the  time  required  the  said  Johne 
Bully  to  show  an  attested  document  of  the  gift  of 
the  keeping  of  their  Knok  and  what  he  should  have 
therefore  and  he  should  be  answerit." 

6th  May  1521. — "David  Crag,  treasurer  of  the  said 
burgh  for  the  time,  required  at  the  provost,  baillies, 
council,  and  community  being  present  for  the 
time  if  they  thought  it  expedient  to  sustain  the  pleas 
of  their  rights,  touching  the  summons  made  upon  them 
by  Master  William  Hamiltoun,  vicar  of  the  said  burgh, 
and  Johne  Bully,  parish  clerk,  anent  four  acres  of 
land  of  the  burgh  meadows  of  the  common  of  the 
said  burgh  claimed  by  the  said  vicar  to  pertain  to 
him  and  his  successors,  and  anent  a  certain  money 
claim  by  the  said  Johne  to  be  uplane  yearly  of  the 
common  good  for  the  keep  of  the  Knok,  as  he 
allegit,  which  is  depandand  the  law  before  the 
official  of  Loudean ;  and  the  said  provest,  baillies,  and 
council  being  advised  all  in  a  voice  concluded  that  they 
would  sustain  the  plea  and  defend  the  said  actions, 
because  they  understood  that  these  actions  pursued 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  373 

by  the  said  vicar  and  clerk  was  unjust  and  that  they 
had  no  title  to  the  said  acres  or  money." 

gth  August  1521. — "Johne  Bully  of  his  own  free- 
will, in  presence  of  the  said  provost  and  baillies  in  the 
said  fenced  court,  has  renounced  freely  and  given  over 
the  keeping  of  the  Knok  of  the  Reid  Kirk,  and  never 
to  claim  any  right  to  the  same  and  the  guid  toun 
to  dispose  of  the  same  as  they  think  most  expedient." 

8t/i  January  1546. — "David  Forester  of  Garden, 
provost  of  the  burgh  of  Striveling,  with  advice  of  the 
baillies  and  council  thereof,  has  condusit  and  feit 
William  Purves,  Knokmakair,  to  renew  and  repair  the 
auld  Knok  of  the  said  burgh,  making  all  manner 
of  graith  thereof  new  forged,  that  is  necessary  to 
be  made  new,  and  the  remnant  that  is  sufficient  to  be 
repaired  as  efferis  so  that  the  said  knok  be  also 
substantial,  also  just,  keeping  also  good  course,  also 
permanent  in  rule  and  course,  as  any  knok  of  her 
quantitie  within  this  realm  does,  and,  in  like  manner, 
shall  make  and  repair  of  new  graith  ane  orlege  and 
moon  with  all  necessaries  thereof,  keeping  just  course 
from  xij  hours  to  xij  hours,  as  well  night  as  day,  and 
just  change  of  the  moon  yearly  throughout  as  efferis 
with  one  board  of  eistland  burde  painted  with 
gold  and  oil  colours  of  v  quarters  broad  and  a 
half  and  vj  quarters  long,  with  all  circumstances 
and  reparations  necessary,  to  be  completed  betwixt 
the  date  hereof  and  the  feast  of  Whitsunday  next  to 
come,  for  the  quilk  the  said  provost  shall  content  and 
pay  to  the  said  William  the  sum  of  xxxv  lib.  money 
of  this  realm,  thereof  x  lib.  at  his  first  entering  to 
his  labours,  and  other  x  lib.  at  the  perfection  of  the 
said  Knok,  set  up  at  all  point  and  repaired,  and  the 
remanent  xv  lib.  at  the  completing  of  the  hale  wark 
in  manner  above  expremit." 

2^th  April  1548. — "  William  Purves,  Knokmakair, 
granted  him  to  have  received  by  the  hands  of  Alexander 
Watson,  one  of  the  baillies  of  the  burgh  of  Striveling 
the  sum  of  ten  pounds  in  hale  and  complete  payment 
of  all  sums  that  he  may  ask  or  crave  for  his  labours 


374  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

of  knok  and  moon  making  and  all  other  labours  to  this 
hour,  and  quit  claims  and  discharges  the  town  and  all 
others  whom  it  efferis  for  ever,  and  shall  warrant  his 
work  sufficient  conform  to  his  contract  before  contained 
in  this  book." 

^rd  December  1548. — "The  provost  and  baillies 
ordain  xls.  to  be  given  to  Wilyem  Kerslaw  for  keeping 
of  the  Knok  in  the  year  of  the  common  good." — Records 
of  the  Burgh  of  Stirling. 

STODDART,  GEORGE.     Goosedub,  Edinburgh,  1793;    n 
Buccleuch  Street,  1822. 

STODDART,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1750. 

"  Bound  apprentice  to  James  Geddes,  i  ith  May  1750. 
Impowered  the  Deacon  to  commune  with  the  widow 
of  James  Geddes,  watchmaker,  and  with  her  consent  to 
transfer  James  Stoddart,  his  late  apprentice,  to  Robert 
Clidsdale,  watch  and  clock  maker,  for  the  space  yet  to 
run  of  the  indentures." — E.  H.  Records. 

STODDART,  JOHN.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1761. 
Apprenticed  to  George  Monro. 

STODDART,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1787. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Alexander  Dickie. 

STRACHAN,  ANDREW.   A  Scotsman  practising  in  London, 
1691. 

STRAUCHAN,    THOMAS.    Canongate,   Edinburgh,   about 
1701. 

STRAITON,  ARCHIBALD.     Edinburgh,  1726-59. 

"Son  to  Charles  Straiton,  residenter  at  Claret-Hall ; 
booked  apprentice  to  Alexander  Brownlee,  clockmaker, 
I  ith  February  1726. 

"  Presented  his  bill  craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman 
watchmaker,  which  was  received  accordingly.  He  paid 
the  treasurer  five  pounds  sterling  as  the  half  of  his  upset 
and  the  Maiden  Hospital  dues  3 1st  March  1739.  Married 
Isobel  Gifford,  I9th  December  1739. 

"  Compeared  on  I3th  September  1739  and  presented 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  375 

his  essay,  viz.,  ane  eight-day  clock,  which  was  found  a 
well-wrought  essay,  etc.,  and  therefore  they  admit  him 
to  be  a  freeman  watchmaker  among  them.  His  essay 
masters  were  William  Richardson,  Patrick  Gordon,  and 
Andrew  Dickie.  His  essay  was  made  in  Hugh  Barclay's 
shop."— E.  H.  Records. 

"  There  was  found  on  Thursday  last  a  piece  of  gold 
and  a  pair  of  steel  buckles.  Any  person  who  can  instruct 
the  property  may  have  them  returned  on  paying  the 
charges  and  satisfying  the  finder.  Enquire  for  Archibald 
Straiton,  watchmaker  in  Edinburgh."  —  Caledonian 
Mercury -,  i6th  December  1745. 

See  also  note  on  Robert  Foot. 

STRAITON,  DAVID.     Montrose,  1820-37. 

STRANG,  JAMES.    Glasgow,  1834. 

STUART,  ALEXANDER.     High  Street,  Kirkwall,  1836. 

STURROCK,  WILLIAM.      12    St   Andrew   Square,   Edin- 
burgh, 1855.     See  pages  25-26. 

STRANG,  ROBERT.    Alloa,  1842-89. 

"  Robert  Strang,  Watch  and  Clock  Maker,  begs  leave 
respectfully  to  inform  the  inhabitants  of  Alloa  and  its 
vicinity  that  he  is  about  to  open  that  shop  in  Mar  Street, 
lately  possessed  by  Mr  Gibson,  Bookseller,  with  a  new 
and  well  selected  stock  of  every  article  in  the  above  line, 
when  with  extreme  lowness  of  charges  and  the  strictest 
attention  to  business  he  hopes  to  obtain  a  liberal  share 
of  public  patronage." — Alloa  Monthly  Advertiser,  5th 
November  1842. 

SUTHERLAND,  DAVID.     Leith,  1775. 
SUTHERLAND,  DAVID.     Keith,  1805. 
SUTHERLAND,  GEORGE.     Stonehaven,  1830. 
SUTHERLAND,    GEORGE.      Elgin;     admitted     freeman, 

1803-37. 
SUTHERLAND,  GEORGE.    Elgin. 

Son  of  the  above;  1820. 

SUTHERLAND,  JAMES.     Shambles  Wynd,  Forres,  1837. 
SUTHERLAND,  JOHN.     27    Marischal   Street,  Aberdeen, 

1836. 


376  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

SUTHERLAND,  WILLIAM.     Bank  Street,  Pulteney,  Wick, 

1837- 
SUTOR,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1704-18. 

"At  MAGDALEN  CHAPEL,  list  November  1704. — The 
whilk  day,  in  presence  of  the  haill  incorporation,  William 
Sutor,  son  to  ye  deceast  George  Sutor,  gardener  in 
Mountain-hall  (probably  Monkton  Hall  near  Mussel- 
burgh),  is  booked  apprentice  to  Richard  Alcorn,  clock- 
maker,  who  paid  the  boxmaster  forty  shillings  of  booking 
money,  forty  shillings  to  the  Maiden  Hospital,  and  one 
pound  ten  shillings  for  being  five  times  absent,  and  other 
dues." 

24^/2  May  1712. — "  The  which  day,  in  presence  of  the 
incorporation,  after  William  Sutor's  bill  for  being  a 
freeman  clockmaker  was  read  and  received  the  said 
William  Sutor  publicly  declared  that  out  of  kindness  to 
the  incorporation  he  would  give  100  merks  for  the  poor 
of  the  incorporation,  and  desires  his  wife's  name  might 
be  set  up  in  gold  letters  yairfor.  To  which  the  in- 
corporation ordained  to  be  done  and  give  the  said 
William  Sutor  thanks  for  his  kindness." 

"  Compeared  on  I4th  February  1713  and  presented 
his  essay,  an  eight-day  pendulum  clock  and  a  lock  to 
the  door  with  a  key,  which  was  found  a  well  wrought 
essay,  etc.  His  essay  masters  were  Richard  Alcorn  and 
Thomas  Drysdale ;  his  essay  was  made  in  Thomas 
Gordon's  shop.  The  boxmaster  acknowledges  that  he 
had  received  from  William  Sutor  the  100  merks  which 
he  promised  to  give  to  the  poor  of  the  Incorporation. 
Appoints  his  name  to  be  put  up  in  gold  letters1  in  the 
way  and  manner  he  desires  the  same." — E.  H.  Records. 

SWAN,  GEORGE.     Edinburgh,  1789-1822. 

Watch-case  maker ;  bound  apprentice  to  Andrew 
Milligan,  2nd  April  1789. 

SYM, .     Edinburgh,  1773. 

Bound  apprentice  to  Samuel  Brown,  4th  March  1773. 

1  This  memorial  tablet  remains  to  this  day  in  the  Magdalen  Chapel, 
Cowgate,  Edinburgh. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  377 

SYMINGTON,  ANDREW.     Kettle,  Fife,  1834-45. 

A  man  of  considerable  ability,  as  the  following  scant 
notices  show : — 

"  KETTLE. — A  curious  piece  of  machinery  to  measure 
time  has  been  invented  by  Mr  Andrew  Symington, 
watchmaker  here.  This  time-piece  is  more  simple  in  its 
construction  than  the  common  eight-day  clock — requires 
only  to  be  winded  up  once  in  twelve  months — and  being 
quite  silent  in  its  movements  will  be  admirably  adapted 
for  bedrooms.  In  this  timepiece  the  pendulum  and 
scapement  are  done  away  with,  and  a  simple  but  efficient 
substitute  is  applied  to  the  crown  wheel  as  a  detent, 
which  only  allows  it  to  revolve  once  in  an  hour,  and  has 
quite  a  uniform  motion  without  producing  the  smallest 
vibration  on  the  machinery.  Another  important  part 
of  the  discovery  is  a  particular  material  for  the  pivots  to 
move  in,  which  is  quite  free  from  any  cohesive  quality 
and  requires  no  oil,  therefore  avoiding  the  irregular 
motion  produced  by  the  evaporation  of  the  oil  and  other 
causes.  These  are  some  of  the  advantages  of  this 
ingenious  piece  of  mechanism,  but  we  are  not  at  present 
permitted  to  give  a  more  particular  description  of  it 
as  the  inventor  intends  to  secure  it  by  patent.  Mr 
Symington  is  about  to  construct  one  to  be  sent  to 
London  for  the  purpose  of  being  exhibited  there." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  2nd  June  1834. 

"KETTLE. — New  Invention. — Our  ingenious  towns- 
man, A.  Symington,  has  constructed  a  machine  to  make 
reeds  for  the  manufacture  of  cloth  upon  an  entire  new 
principle  invented  by  himself.  The  machine  is  in 
operation  at  the  house  of  James  How,  reedmaker  here. 
The  accuracy  with  which  it  does  the  work  renders  it  far 
superior  to  any  of  the  machines  in  use  at  present,  and 
the  simplicity  of  the  mechanism  will  admit  of  a  consider- 
able reduction  in  the  price.  Mr  Symington  intends  to 
send  a  drawing  and  description  to  the  Society  of  Arts 
that  the  trade  in  general  may  have  the  benefits  of  the 
invention." — Fifeshire  Advertiser,  1835. 

11  Drawing  and  description  of  a  Pendulum  Escapement 

by  Mr  Andrew  Symington,  watchmaker,  Kettle,  Fife." 

See   Transactions  of  the  Royal  Scottish  Society  of  Arts, 
vol.  i.,  nth  January  1837. 

Maker  of  new  clock  in  Markinch  Town  Hall,  1840. 


378  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

11  HYDRAULIC  CLOCK  BY  MESSRS  SYMINGTON  & 
TEMPLE. — This  important  invention,  being  now 
registered,  according  to  the  Act  of  Parliament,  we  are 
at  liberty  to  explain  the  principles  on  which  the 
Hydraulic  Clock  is  constructed.  Attached  to  the  axis 
of  the  crown  wheel  is  a  small  bucket  wheel  on  which  the 
propelling  power,  a  single  drop  of  water  in  a  second, 
acts.  The  action  of  a  pendulum  keeps  the  motion  in 
perfect  regularity  and  the  other  machinery  is  of  the  most 
simple  description.  It  requires  no  winding  up,  and  from 
its  great  durability  in  the  absence  of  friction  it  will  be 
attended  with  very  little  expense  in  keeping  it  in  repair. 
It  exhibits  time  with  the  most  perfect  accuracy,  and  from 
its  elegant  appearance  it  is  beautifully  adapted  for 
gentlemen's  houses  and  public  buildings. 

"  A  clock  fitted  up  in  Falkland  House,  the  residence 
of  O.  T.  Bruce,  Esquire,  by  the  inventors,  Messrs 
Symington  and  Temple,  has  kept  time  with  the  greatest 
possible  precision  for  the  last  nine  months,  and  so  highly 
pleased  has  that  gentleman  been  with  it  that  he  has 
now  got  another  fitted  up  in  the  hall  of  that  princely 
edifice." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  2Oth  December 
1845. 

SYMSONE,  JAMES.     Dunfermline,  1773.     See  page  131. 

See  Turnbull  &  Symsone. 
TAINSH,  DAVID.  Criefif,  1816. 
TAIT,  ARCHIBALD.  Edinburgh,  1821. 

Apprenticed  to  Robert  Bryson,  6th  November  1821. 
TAIT,  CHARLES.     Peebles,  1836. 
TAIT,  DAVID.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1798. 
TAIT,  WILLIAM.     Main  Street,  Wigtown,  1820-37. 
TAYLOR,  CHARLES.     Kinross,  1836. 
TAYLOR,  JAMES.     Strichen,  1799-1846. 

"James  Taylor,  who  died  I2th  November  1846,  aged 
90,  was  watchmaker  in  Strichen  nearly  47  years ;  born 
in  London  but  his  ancestors  belonged  to  the  city  of 
Perth,  where  they  were  Hammermen  and  burgesses 
time  immemorial.  Tradition  says  that  Taylor's  real 
name  was  Douglas  and  that  he  had  to  leave  London 
during  the  political  disturbances  which  took  place  there 
towards  the  beginning  of  the  present  century.  A 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  379 

memorial  stone  was  erected  by  his  son  Joseph  Douglas, 
Strichen,  who  died  in  1851,  aged  57  years." — JERVISE'S 
Epitaphs  and  Inscriptions. 

TAYLOR,  JAMES.     Mormond,  1847. 

"Charles  Taylor,  weaver,  Kinross,  served  Heir  of 
Conquest  General  to  his  uncle,  James  Taylor,  watch- 
maker, Mormond,  dated  28th  July  1847.  Recorded  6th 
Augt.  1847." — Services  of  Heirs. 

TAYLOR,  JAMES.     Tillicoultry,  1837. 

TAYLOR,  JAMES.     East  Street,  Doune,  1837. 

TAYLOR,  JOSEPH.     Strichen,  1837. 

TAYLOR,  JOSEPH.     Perth,  1774-90. 

"Joseph  Taylor,  watchmaker  in  Perth,  served  Heir 
General  to  his  grandfather  Joseph  Taylor,  Hammerman 
there,  dated  24  Deer.  1774." — Services  of  Heirs. 

TAYLOR,  THOMAS.     Kinross,  1836. 

TAYLOR,  WILLIAM.     96  High  Street,  Dumfries,  1817-23. 
His  wife,  Mrs  Janet  Paul,  only  surviving  sister  of  the 
celebrated  Paul  Jones,  died  in  1817,  aged  80  years. 

TELFER,  ALEXANDER.     Aberdeen  ;  died  in  Antigua,  1805. 
TELFER,  ALEXANDER.    Glasgow,  1770. 

"  Alexander  Telfer,  watchmaker  in  Glasgow,  served 
Heir  General  to  his  mother,  Janet  Morton  or  Telfer,  4 
Septr.  1770." — Services  of  Heirs. 

TELFER,  JOHN.     Glasgow,  1752. 

"  George  Stirling,  served  Heir  of  Provision  General 
to  Margaret  Telfer,  daughter  of  John  Telfer,  watchmaker 
in  Glasgow,  dated  2nd  June  1815.  Recorded  2oth  June 
1 8 15." — Services  of  Heirs. 

TELFER,  SAMUEL.    Glasgow,  1720. 
TEMPLETON,  DAVID.     Maybole,  1850. 
TEMPLETON,  JAMES.    Gorbals,  Glasgow,  1818. 
TEMPLETON,  JOHN.     145  High  Street,  Ayr,  1836-50. 
TEMPLETON,  M.     Strand  Street,  Beith,  1850. 
TEMPLETON,  ROBERT.     120  High  Street,  Ayr,  1850. 
TEMPLETON,  THOMAS.     Dalmellington,  1837-50. 


380  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

THEMAN,  DAVID.     Aberdeen,   1493.     See  note  on  Aber- 
deen Town  Clocks. 

THIBOU,  JACQUES.     Edinburgh,   1695. 

Booked  journeyman  to  Paul  Roumieu,  7th  April 
1695. 

THOMPSON,  ANDREW.     Back  Street,  Campbeltown,  1836. 
THOMSON,  ALEXANDER.     High  Street,  Kirkwall,  1836. 

THOMSON,  ALEXANDER.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1736. 
Apprenticed  to  Thomas  Hall,  1736. 

THOMSON,  ALEXANDER.     Keith,  Banffshire,  1807. 
THOMSON,  ANDREW.    Brunswick  Street,  Glasgow,  1827-41. 
THOMSON,    ARCHIBALD.      Hastie's    Close,     Edinburgh, 

1794- 

THOMSON,  ARCHIBALD.     Edinburgh,  1800-36.     15  North 
Bridge  and  64  Princes  Street. 

THOMSON,  DAVID.     Perth,  1733-44. 

Apprenticed  to  John  Thomson  1733;  admitted  freeman 
into  the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen,  Perth,  1737. 

THOMSON,  GEORGE.     Edinburgh,  1734. 
Apprenticed  to  James  Nicoll,  1734. 
THOMSON,  GEORGE.     Argyll  Street,  Glasgow,  1833. 

THOMSON,     GEORGE.      Portland     Street,      Kilmarnock, 
1820-37. 

THOMSON,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1696. 

Son  to  John  Thomson,  fermorar  in  Ogilvie,  in  the 
parish  of  Blackford  ;  booked  apprentice  to  Richard  Mills, 
2nd  May  1696. 

THOMSON,  JAMES.     Leslie,  Fife,  1825, 

THOMSON,  JOHN.     Leslie,  Fife,  1789. 

"John  Thomson,  watchmaker  in  Leslie ;  served  Heir 
General  to  his  father  James  Thomson,  smith  in  Kettle, 
dated  17  Augt.  1789.  Recorded  16  Septr.  1789."— 
Services  of  Heirs. 

THOMSON,  JOHN.     Broad  Street,  Stirling,  1836. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  381 

THOMSON,  JOHN,  sen.,  Leith,  1768. 

THOMSON,    JOHN.     Nicolson    Street,    Edinburgh,    1794- 
1814. 

THOMSON,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1811. 

Apprenticed  to  James  Clark,  1811. 

THOMSON,  JOHN.     Perth,  1706-37. 

"PERTH  COUNCIL  HOUSE,  30  Septr.  1706.- 
Whilk  day  the  Deacon  and  haill  brethren  of  the 
Hammermen  calling  of  the  said  burgh  being  solemnly 
convened  anent  the  trade  affairs,  it  was  reported  to 
them  by  John  Thomson,  Clock  and  Watch  Maker,  that 
although  ye  calling  had  formerly  entered  him  to  the 
said  airt  gratis,  in  respect  there  was  no  other  of  that 
profession  in  ye  place,  yet  to  avoid  all  doubt  that  may 
hereafter  arise  betwixt  any  of  the  brethren  and  him  by 
upcasting  of  his  gratis  freedom  or  other  ways,  he  was 
content  to  give  ye  calling  twenty-five  pounds  of  compli- 
ment and  desired  to  be  booked  accordingly.  Of  the 
vvhilk  compliment  ye  calling  accepted  and  ordained  him 
in  their  presence  to  be  booked  freeman  to  the  said  Clock 
and  Watch  Maker  airt,  and  haill  liberties  and  priviledges 
thereto  belonging.  Declaring  ye  said  John  Thomson 
to  be  also  free  and  brother  in  the  said  incorporation, 
and  to  have  also  good  right  yairin  and  to  what  belongs 
thereto  as  any  of  the  other  brethren  whatsover  had, 
have,  or  heirtofore  may  enjoy." — Perth  Hammermen 
Records  (MSS.). 

THOMSON,  PETER  NEILUS.    Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1756. 
Apprenticed  to  George  Monro. 

THOMSON,  ROBERT.    Glasgow,  1788-1801. 

"  Lost  on  Friday  night  last,  a  silver  watch  with  gold 
hands,  a  steel  chain  and  small  silver  seal,  maker's  name 
John  Milton,  London,  No.  7405.  Any  person  having 
found  the  same,  by  returning  it  to  Robert  Thomson, 
watchmaker,  High  Street,  Glasgow,  shall  be  handsomely 
rewarded." — Glasgow  Courier ;  26th  March  1799. 

THOMSON,  ROBERT.    Borrowstounness  or  Bo'ness,  1760-88. 
See  also  note  on  Linlithgow  Town  Clock. 


382  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

"  Stolen  out  of  the  Nether  Hillhouse  in  the  parish  of 
Torphichen  and  county  of  Linlithgow  on  the  night 
between  the  eleventh  and  twelfth  of  April,  a  watch, 
maker's  name  Robert  Thomson,  Borrowstounness,  No. 
674.  Whoever  can  give  an  account  of  the  said  watch 
to  the  maker  at  Borrowstounness  shall  be  handsomely 
rewarded." — Caledonian  Mercury ',  I7th  April  1762. 

"  Elizabeth  Davidson  or  Thomson,  wife  of  Thos. 
Davidson,  weaver,  London,  served  Heir  General  to 
her  father  Robert  Thomson,  watchmaker,  Bo'ness,  dated 
22nd  March  1788.  Recorded  4  April  1788." — Services 
of  Heirs. 

THOMSON,  WILLIAM.     Perth,  1772. 
THOMSON,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1766-82. 

"Bound  apprentice  to  Robert  Clidsdale  13  June 
1766.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  18  June  1773. 
Compeared  on  4th  Novr.  1780,  and  presented  his 
essay,  being  a  watch  movement,  made  and  finished  in 
his  own  shop,  in  presence  of  Robert  Clidsdale,  landlord, 
Samuel  Brown  and  Thomas  Sibbald,  essay  masters  (the 
other  absent),  as  they  declared." — E.  H.  Records. 

THOMSON,  WILLIAM.  Clerk  Street,  Edinburgh,  1849. 
THOMSON,  WILLIAM.  South  Street,  Dalkeith,  1840. 
THORKEIN,  WILLIAM.  Edinburgh,  1695. 

Booked  journeyman  to  Paul  Roumieu,  1695. 

TODD,  DANIEL.    Glasgow,  1848. 

"  Daniel  Todd,  watchmaker  in  Glasgow  ;  served  Heir 
General  to  his  father,  William  Todd,  watchmaker  there, 
dated  8th  Augt.  1848.     Recorded   iSth  Augt.  1848."- 
Services  of  Heirs. 

TODD,  JOHN.     Trongate,  Glasgow,  1823-37. 

TODD,  JOHN.     5  St  Andrew  Street,  Dumfries,  1837. 

TODD,  WILLIAM.     Glasgow,  1838-48. 

TORCHER,  ALEXANDER.     Greenlaw,  Berwickshire,  1837. 

TORRY,   ALEXANDER.     Banchory  Ternan,  Aberdeenshire, 
1846. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  383 

TOSHACH,  PATRICK.    Perth,  1778-85. 

"  Refused  to  enter  into  the  Incorporation  of  Hammer- 
men's Society,  Perth,  1778.  Next  year  he  agreed  to 
pay,  after  decreet  had  been  obtained  against  him,  the 
sum  of  £16  Sterling  with  the  other  dues." — Perth 
Hammermen  Records  (MSS.). 

"  To  CLOCK  AND  WATCH  MAKERS. — Upon  Tuesday 
the  2nd  of  August  next  at  one  o'clock  forenoon  will  be 
exposed  for  sale  by  public  roup,  within  the  shop  of  the 
late  Patrick  Toshach,  watchmaker  in  Perth,  a  complete 
set  of  watchmaker's  tools,  including  two  cutting  engines 
made  on  the  best  principles.  At  same  time  there  will  be 
exposed  separately,  as  purchasers  may  incline,  four 
musical  clocks,  with  a  very  fine  chamber  organ  all  neatly 
finished  ;  a  Regulator  and  some  common  clocks  complete. 
The  different  articles  will  be  shown  any  time  betwixt  and 
the  day  of  sale  by  applying  to  Mr  James  Paton,  writer, 
Perth." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  27th  July  1785. 

A  handsome  musical  clock  made  by  him  is  now  the 
property  of  Mrs  Gillon,  13  Pilrig  Street,  Edinburgh, 
which  may  possibly  be  one  of  the  four  referred  to  above. 
Enclosed  in  a  mahogany  case  of  perfect  proportions,  the 
list  of  tunes  it  plays  as  marked  on  the  dial  are  as 
follows  : — "  College  Hornpipe,"  "  Flowers  of  Edinburgh," 
"  Kist  Yestreen,"  "  Dainty  Da  vie,"  "  Dusky  Night,"  "  Sham 
M'Garry,""  Soldier's  Joy."  Although  the  musical  bells 
are  out  of  order,  in  spite  of  this  defect  it  is  a  splendid 
specimen  of  this  craftsman's  skill. 

TOUGH,  REV.  GEORGE.     Ay  ton,  Berwickshire,  1837. 

"  We  have  just  seen  an  instrument  in  illustration  of 
the  principles  of  astronomy.  This  instrument  consists 
essentially  of  but  one  wheel  and  pinion,  illustrates  with 
beautiful  distinctiveness  the  annual  revolution  of  the 
earth  through  the  various  signs  of  the  ecliptic,  the 
simultaneous  revolution  and  phases  of  the  moon,  and, 
above  all,  for  elegance  and  original  simplicity  the 
parallelism  of  the  earth's  axis  and  the  consequent 
variety  of  the  seasons.  There  is  also  adapted  to  the 
instrument  a  long  ellipse  having  the  sun  in  one  of  the 
foci  as  a  representation  of  the  orbit  of  a  comet.  The 
plane  of  the  ellipse  can  be  made  to  incline  at  any  angle 
to  the  plane  of  the  ecliptic,  its  longer  axis  to  point  in 


384  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

any  direction,  thus  showing  with  the  utmost  clearness 
what  really  obtains  in  the  heavens  in  reference  to  the 
orbits  of  these  bodies." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant, 
2ist  April  1837. 

TOWNSEND,  ROBERT.     Greenock,  1777. 

"  Whereas  on  the  night  betwixt  the  23rd  and  24th 
the  shop  of  Robert  Townsend,  watchmaker  in  Greenock, 
was  broke  into  and  the  following  articles  stolen,  viz., 
one  plain  Gold  watch,  jewelled,  maker's  name  Robert 
Townsend,  Greenock,  No.  296 ;  one  small  Gold  watch 
with  gilt  hands  and  shagreen  outer  case,  with  the 
inside  case  and  box  in  one,  name  Da  Cheshe,  London, 
No.  6442 ;  one  Silver  watch,  name  Robert  Townsend, 
number  uncertain — this  last  is  a  new  one ;  one  do. 
do.,  new  cap'd,  name  Daniell  Marshall  Wakefield, 
a  high  number  but  uncertain  what  it  is  ;  one  old  silver 
watch  with  seconds  in  the  centre,  the  verge  pivot  broke, 
name  Robert  Townsend,  Greenock,  No.  132;  one  old 
watch,  shagreen  case,  gilt  box,  name  Rt.  Johnston, 
London,  No.  7704 ;  one  old  silver  watch,  name  Howard, 
London,  number  uncertain,  had  a  new  outer  case 
unlined ;  one  old  silver  watch,  name  Thomas  Moore, 
London,  No.  6571  ;  three  pair  new  silver  watch  cases  of 
the  best  kind  without  pendants ;  one  old  silver  watch 
box  and  an  old  agate  watch  case ;  two  tortoise-shell 
watches  with  Gilt  boxes,  Nos.  9026  and  no. 

"  These  are  therefore  offering  a  reward  of  Ten 
Guineas  to  any  person  or  persons  who  will  discover  or 
apprehend  the  persons  concerned  in  the  said  theft,  to  be 
paid  by  the  said  Robert  Townsend,  upon  conviction  of 
the  offenders.  And  it  is  hereby  requested  that  all 
watchmakers  and  others  will  stop  any  of  the  above 
articles  that  may  come  into  their  hands  and  send 
the  said  Robert  Townsend  timely  notice  thereof." — 
Caledonian  Mercury,  26th  November  1777. 

TOWNSEND,  WILLIAM.     Greenock,  1791. 
TROTTER,  ALEXANDER.    Jedburgh,  1788-1815. 

TROTTER,    ROBERT.     Leith,    23    Couper    Street,    1822; 
Kirkgate,   1836. 

TULLOH,  JOHN.     Shore  Street,  Nairn,  1836. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKEfcS  385 

TURNBULL,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1765-72. 

Apprenticed  to  Alexander  Farquharson  on  7th  May 
1765.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  by  Turnbull  & 
Aitchison,  25th  July  1772. 

TURNBULL,  JOHN.     Hawick,  1827. 

"  Anna  Maria  Brown  or  Turnbull,  wife  of  C.  Brown, 
Traveller,  London ;  served  Heir  Portion  General  to  her 
uncle,  John  Turnbull,  watchmaker,  Hawick,  dated  3rd 
Augt.  1827.  Recorded  13  Augt.  1827." — Services  of 
Heirs. 

TURNBULL,  JOHN.     Dunfermline,  1780. 

"Lost  in  the  town  of  Dunfermline,  the  I4th  of  May 
current,  a  gold  watch  with  an  old  shagreen  case,  maker's 
name  John  Berry,  London.  Any  person  that  has  found 
said  watch  and  will  return  her  to  Messrs  Turnbull  and 
Aitchison  (q.v.),  watchmakers,  Edinburgh,  or  to  John 
Turnbull,  watchmaker,  Dunfermline,  shall  receive  a 
handsome  reward.  If  offered  for  sale  it  is  hoped  she 
will  be  stopt  and  information  given  as  above." — 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  3 1st  May  1780. 

See  Turnbull  &  Symson,  Dunfermline. 

TURNBULL,  PETER.    Glasgow,  1812. 

"Peter  Turnbull,  successor  to  the  late  William 
Hannington,  begs  leave  to  inform  his  friends  that  he 
has  removed  from  Argyll  Street  to  No.  90  East  Side, 
Glassford  Street.  P.  T.  having  been  several  years  with 
Mr  Hannington,  he  hopes  from  a  strict  attention  to 
business  to  render  satisfaction  to  his  employers." — 
Glasgow  Chronicle ',  2Oth  May  1812. 

TURNBULL,  ROBERT.     New  Street,  Greenock,  1790-1832. 

"  Andrew  Turnbull,  merchant,  Dunfermline,  served 
Heir  of  Conquest  General  to  his  brother,  Robert 
Turnbull,  watchmaker,  Greenock,  dated  ist  Feby.  1833. 
Recorded  5th  Feby.  1833." — Services  of  Heirs. 

TURNBULL,  WILLIAM.    Edinburgh,  1758-82. 

"Son  of  David  Turnbull,  dyster,  in  Torryburn ; 
booked  apprentice  to  Deacon  John  Dalgleish,  4th 
February  1758.  Discharged  of  his  indentures,  8th 
January  1766.  Presented  a  bill  craving  an  essay  and 
essay  masters  to  be  appointed  in  order  to  his  being 

2  B 


386  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

admitted  a  freeman,  7th  May  1768.  Compeared  on 
1 2th  November  1768  and  presented  his  essay,  being  an 
horizontal  watch  movement,  begun,  made,  and  finished 
in  his  own  shop  in  presence  of  John  Murdoch,  John 
Gibson,  and  William  Richardson,  and  John  Dalgleish, 
landlord."— £.  H.  Records. 

Entered  into  partnership  with  Robert  Aitchison,  who 
was. admitted  a  freeman  the  same  day  as  himself.  See 
Turnbull  &  Aitchison. 

"  To  be  sold  by  public  roup  on  Wednesday,  the  3Oth 
Jany.,  betwixt  the  hours  of  five  and  six  afternoon,  the 
dwelling-house  and  foreshop  being  the  first  story  of  a 
tenement  at  the  head  of  Bell's  Wynd,  as  now  possessed 
by  Mr  Turnbull,  Watchmaker,  per  tack  for  19  years 
from  Whitsunday  1773  at  £14,  145.  per  annum,  upset 
£147,  145.  8d." — Caledonian  Mercury -,  I2th  January  1782. 

TURNBULL,  WILLIAM.     Inverkeithing,  1795. 

TURNBULL  &  AITCHISON.     Back  of  the  City  Guard, 
High  Street,  Edinburgh,  1768-77. 

"  Within  these  eight  days  past,  there  was  lost  in  the 
near  neighbourhood  of  Edinburgh,  a  plain  silver  watch, 
maker's  name  Allan  Fowlds,  Kilmarnock,  No.  3429, 
with  a  steel  chain  and  silver  cornelian  seal,  impression 
a  rose.  Any  person  who  is  possessed  of  said  watch  is 
requested  to  deliver  the  same  to  Messrs  Turnbull  and 
Aitchison,  watchmakers  in  Edinburgh,  and  a  handsome 
reward  will  be  given  therefor.  If  on  this  notice  it  is  not 
returned  and  she  is  offered  for  sale,  it  is  entreated  that 
the  watch  and  person  may  be  detained  and  notice 
thereof  given  to  the  said  Messrs  Turnbull  &  Aitchison, 
who  will,  beside  paying  all  charges,  give  a  reward  of  five 
guineas  upon  the  watch  being  secured  and  the  person 
detained  until  examined  by  a  judge."  —  Caledonian 
Mercury,  3rd  March  1777. 

TURNBULL  &  SYMSON.     Dunfermline,  1776. 

"  Turnbull  &  Symson,  Watch  and  Clock  Makers  in 
Dunfermline. — John  Turnbull  begs  leave  to  inform  his 
friends  and  the  public  that  although  it  has  been  said 
that  he  had  given  up  business,  he  still  continues  to  carry 
on  the  business  in  his  shop  with  more  spirit  than  ever, 
and  as  he  has  entered  into  company  with  one  who 
understands  watch  and  clock  making  in  all  its  branches, 


EIGHT-DAY  CHIME  CLOCK, 

In  mahogany  case,  with  moon's  age  and  tide  dial.  By  John  Smith, 
Pittenvveem,  1770-1814.  The  property  of  Alexander  Hay,  Esq., 
Cluny  Gardens,  Edinburgh.  (See  p.  362.) 

[To  face  page  386. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  387 

he  hopes  for  a  continuance  of  the  favours  of  his 
customers,  as  they  may  depend  upon  being  punctually 
answered. 

"  N.B.  —  Letters  and  commissions  addressed  to 
Turnbull  &  Symson,  watch  and  clock  makers,  Dunferm- 
line,  will  be  duly  attended  to." — Caledonian  Mercury, 
I  ;th  July  1776. 

TURNER,  JAMES.     Luckenbooths,  Edinburgh,  1811. 
URE,  WILLIAM.     Cumbernauld,  1836. 

URQUART,  .     Elgin,  subsequent  to  1820. 

URQUHART,  JOHN.     George  Street,  Perth,  1805-37. 

VEITCH,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1774-82. 

Apprenticed  to  Normond  Macpherson  1st  December 
1774.  Discharged  of  his  indentures  i8th  February  1782. 

VEITCH,  WILLIAM.    Edinburgh,  1778. 

Apprenticed  to  Normond  Macpherson  I5th  July 
1778. 

VEITCH,  WILLIAM.     Haddington,  1758-81. 

The  first  clockmaker  to  be  admitted  as  a  freeman  in 
the  Incorporation  of  Hammermen  of  Haddington,  3Oth 
August  1758. 

"  Lost  on  Tuesday  last  betwixt  Edinburgh  and 
Tranent,  a  silver  watch  with  three  seals,  No.  241, 
maker's  name  William  Veitch,  Haddington.  The  sdals 
were  as  follows :  One  of  them  with  a  cairngorm  stone 
with  A  and  S  engraved,  sunk,  and  flourished ;  the  other 
with  the  figure  of  Hope  leaning  upon  an  anchor ;  both 
same  stone,  only  one  of  them  gold  and  the  other  pinch- 
beck ;  the  third  a  gold  one  and  a  compound  stone  with 
a  head.  Whoever  will  return  the  same  to  the  publisher 
of  this  paper  or  to  Mr  Veitch  at  Haddington  will  be 
handsomely  rewarded." — Edinburgh  Evening  Couranl, 
ist  August  1781. 

Admitted  a  member  of  Lodge  St  David,  Edinburgh, 
loth  April  1754. 

WADDELL,  JOHN.     Gallowgate,  Glasgow,  1826. 
WALDIE,  WILLIAM.     Dunse,  1831. 
WALKER,  JAMES.     Penicuik,  1836-50. 


388  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

WALKER,  JAMES.     High  Street,  Montrose,  1820-37. 

"  James  Walker,  watchmaker,  Montrose  ;  served  Heir 
General  to  his  sister  Isabella,  daughter  of  James  Walker, 
there  at  Strathbrae,  dated  9th  Augt.  1827 ;  recorded 
3rd  Sept.  1827." — Services  of  Heirs. 

WALKER,  GEORGE.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1789-92. 

Married  Christian  Grahame,  nth  October  1792. 
WALKER,  ROBERT.     14  London  Street,  Glasgow,  1836. 
WALLACE,  ANDREW.     Ayr,  1816. 
WALLACE,  GEORGE.     Prestonpans,  1646. 
WALLACE,  JOHN.     Leven,  Fife,  1790-1835. 

Died  1 5th  September  1835,  aged  69  years. 
WALLACE,  JOHN.     Dambrae,  Musselburgh,  1836. 
WALLACE,  JOHN.     Paisley,  1603.     See  page  289. 
WALLACE,  ROBERT.     Forfar,  1798. 
WALLACE,  WILLIAM.     Aberdeen,  1533.     See  page  i. 
WANHAGAN,  PATRICK.     Aberdeen,  1651.     See  paged 

WARDLAW,  JAMES.     Perth,  1768. 

Granted  liberty  to  exercise  his  trade  in  Perth  by  the 
Hammermen's  Incorporation,  8th  August  1768. 

WARREN,  GEORGE  W.     London,   1880.     See  page  25. 
WATERS,  WILLIAM  C.     Milnathort,  1834. 
WATSON,  ALEXANDER.     Glasgow,  1835. 
WATSON,  DAVID.     Dundee,  1748. 

WATSON,  GEORGE.     Edinburgh,  1814. 

"  Compeared  3ist  Augt.  1814,  and  presented  a  peti- 
tion craving  to  be  admitted  a  freeman  in  right  of  his 
wife  Helen,  lawful  daughter  of  the  late  John  Clelland, 
watchmaker,  and  member  of  this  Incorporation.  The 
prayer  of  which  petition  was  granted  and  he  paid 
six  pounds  sterling,  being  the  first  moiety  of  his  entry 
money.  Compeared  I3th  May  1815,  and  produced  his 
essay,  a  watch  movement,  begun,  made  and  finished  in 
his  own  shop,  in  presence  of  William  Drysdale,  landlord, 
and  James  Clark  and  James  Innes,  essay  masters,  as 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  389 

they  declared,  and  was  accordingly  admitted  and  paid 
six  pounds  stg.,  being  the  second  moiety  of  his  entry 
money." — E.  H.  Records. 

WATSON,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1758. 

Son  of  James  Watson,  one  of  the  town  officers  of 
Edinburgh ;  bound  apprentice  to  Samuel  Brown,  29th 
December  1758. 

WATSON,  JAMES.     Aberdeen,  1840-50. 
WATSON,  JOHN.     Pier  Head,  Kirriemuir,  1837. 
WATSON,  ROBERT.     High  Street,  Alyth,  1836. 
WATSON    &    MARSHALL.     High     Street,    Edinburgh, 
1810. 

"  Have  the  honour  to  intimate  that  their  stock  of 
duplex,  horizontal,  and  vertical  watches  in  gold,  silver 
and  metal  cases  are  extensive  as  any  out  of  London, 
and  from  the  experimental  knowledge  of  one  of  the 
partners,  many  years  a  maker  of  watches  in  London, 
they  are  enabled  with  confidence  to  warrant  their 
performance." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant^  24th  March 
1 8 10. 

WATT,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1787. 

gth  May  1789. — "  James  Watt,  apprentice  to  Laurence 
Dalgleish,  petitioned  that  in  respect  the  consent  of 
his  master,  Laurence  Dalgleish,  agreed  that  the  said 
James  Watt  be  allowed  to  serve  the  remainder  of  his 
time  with  any  other  master  he  can  find,  but  on  condition 
that  he  serve  one  year  more  than  specified  in  his 
indenture,  by  reason  of  his  having  been  absent  from  his 
late  master  about  12  months." — E.  H.  Records. 

WATT,  JOHN.     High  Street,  Irvine,  1827-50. 

WATT,  THOMAS   &   Co.     73   Princes   Street,   Edinburgh, 
1823. 

"  Take  the  liberty  of  intimating  to  their  friends  and 
the  public,  that  they  have  commenced  in  the  above 
line  on  their  own  account,  and  from  long  experience 
and  a  strict  attention  to  business,  they  hope  to  merit 
a  share  of  the  public  favour  so  long  and  largely  conferred 
on  the  company  of  Reid  &  Auld. 


390  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

"  T.  Watt,  nephew  to  Mr  Reid,  and  who  has  been  in 
the  employment  of  Messrs  Reid  &  Auld  upwards  of 
twenty  years,  looks  with  some  confidence  for  the  support 
of  those  who  favoured  the  late  company  with  their 
patronage.  T.  W.  &  Co.  make  every  kind  of  watches 
and  clocks  to  order,  also  repairing  any  article  in  the 
line.  Orders  attended  to  with  punctuality  and  despatch." 
— Edinburgh  Evening  Courant^  1823. 

WATT   &    M'ALPINE.     45    Princes    Street,    Edinburgh, 
1825-37. 

WATTERS,  WILLIAM.     29  Church  Street,  Inverness,  1837. 
WAUGH,  JOHN.     Main  Street,  Wigton,  1820-41. 

"John  Waugh,  watchmaker,  Wigton,  served  Heir 
General  to  his  grandmother,  Agnes  Shank  there,  dated 
1 8th  Augt.  1841.  Recorded  26th  Augt.  1841." — Services 
of  Heirs. 

WEATHERBURN,    ROBERT.     Tweedmouth,   Berwick-on- 
Tweed,  1820. 

WEBSTER,  JAMES.     107  West   Port,  Edinburgh,  1840-68. 
Son  of  below. 

WEBSTER,  JOHN.     107  West  Port,  Edinburgh,  1826-69. 

Came  from  Peterhead,  and  entering  the  employment 
of  James  Whitelaw,  Register  Street,  Edinburgh,  rose 
to  the  position  of  foreman  with  him.  He  commenced 
for  himself  by  acquiring  the  business  carried  on  by 
Alexander  Breakenrig  at  the  above  address  about  1826, 
which  he  carried  on  till  1869.  His  grandson,  John  R. 
Webster,  is  in  business  in  Dalkeith.  It  is  interesting  to 
note  that  in  the  watch  made  by  Paul  Roumieu  referred 
to  on  page  321,  this  man's  watch  paper  is  to  be  found 
inside  case  as  having  repaired  or  cleaned  it  at  some 
period  now  unknown. 

WEBSTER,  THOMAS.     Dundee,  1689. 

WEDDERBURN .     Tweedmouth,  1823. 

WEIR,  DAVID.     Glasgow,  1690. 

WEIR,  ROBERT.     Lanark,  1798. 

WELSH,  GEORGE.     High  Street,  Dalkeith,  1820. 

WELSH,  JOHN.     George  Street,  Glasgow,  1825. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  391 

WELSH,  ROBERT.     Dalkeith,  1777. 

"  Lost  on  Monday  last,  the  8th  of  Septr.,  between 
Cameron  Bridge  and  the  Pleasance  of  Edinburgh, 
a  fashionable  silver  watch,  maker's  name  Millington  and 
Co.,  Salop,  No.  603.  Whoever  shall  bring  the  said 
watch  to  Robert  Welsh,  watchmaker  in  Dalkeith,  or 
give  such  information  to  him  as  said  watch  may  be 
recovered,  shall  be  handsomely  rev/arded. 

"N.B. — It  is  entreated  that  watchmakers  will  stop 
her  if  presented  for  sale  or  repair,  and  give  information 
as  above." — Caledonian  Mercury p,  i3th  September  1777. 

WEST,  JOHN.     Riccarton,  Linlithgow,  1850. 

John  West  was  a  millwright  at  Riccarton,  three  miles 
west  of  Linlithgow.  He  emigrated  to  Canada  about 
1850,  and  moved  to  Oregon,  U.S.A.,  about  1860.  He 
settled  on  the  Columbia  River  40  miles  from  its  mouth, 
started  a  sawmill,  and  named  the  place  West  Port. 
A  clock  bearing  the  above  name  is  now  located  in 
Portland,  Oregon  (whether  John  West  was  the  maker 
has  not  transpired).  The  above  particulars  were 
forwarded  by  Mr  Alexander  Muirhead,  728  Lovejoy 
Street,  Portland,  Oregon,  U.S.A. 

WETHERSPON,  ALEXANDER.     Haddington,  1796-1803. 

WHELAR,  SAMUEL.     Glasgow,  1810. 

WHITE,  ANDREW.     High  Street,  Forres,  1837. 

WHITE,  GEORGE.    Trongate,  Glasgow,  1824-49. 

WHITE,  JAMES.     Paisley,  1809. 

WHITE,  ROBERT.     High  Street,  Edinburgh,  1791-1804. 

Apprenticed  to  Laurence  Dalgleish  29th  July  1791. 
Discharged  of  his  indentures  i6th  September  1798. 

WHITEHEAD,  ROBERT.     Edinburgh,  1770. 

Apprenticed  to  John  Murdoch,  I7th  October  1770. 
WHITELAW,  ALEXANDER.    75  Princes  Street,  Edinburgh, 

1824. 
WHITELAW,    DAVID.      16    Princes    Street,    Edinburgh, 

I8I5-35. 

"Silver  watch  lost  between  North  Bridge  and 
Greenside,  with  a  gold  chain  and  pebble  seal,  mounted 


392  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

with  gold  and  initials,  maker's  name  J.  Hall,  Edinburgh, 
No.  26.  Whoever  has  found  the  same  and  will  return 
it  to  Mr  Whitelaw,  watchmaker,  No.  16  Princes  Street, 
shall  receive  one  guinea  of  reward." — Edinburgh  Evening 
Courant,  6th  November  1815. 

"  At  a  meeting  of  the  Society  of  Arts  for  Scotland 
held  on  i/th  June  1829,  Prize  awarded  to  Mr  David 
Whitelaw,  watchmaker,  Princes  Street,  Edinburgh,  of 
the  Society's  Silver  Medal,  value  £5,  55.,  for  his 
description  and  drawings  of  a  clock  pendulum  without 
the  crutch,  and  in  which  the  pendulum  receives  the 
impulse  directly  from  the  swing  wheel.  This  communi- 
cation, although  only  read  in  the  beginning  of  the 
current  year,  was  notified  to  the  Society  in  1828  and 
is  so  intimately  connected  with  the  one  by  Mr  Alexander 
Doig,  Musselburgh,  that  in  justice  to  neither  of  these 
individuals  can  they  be  separated,  and  the  committee 
recommend  to  the  Society  the  donation  of  a  prize  to 
each  without  entering  into  any  inquiry  as  to  the  priority 
of  invention." 

Paper  read  at  a  meeting  of  the  Society  of  Arts  for 
Scotland  5th  June  1830. — ''Description  of  a  pendulum 
chronometer  in  which  the  arbors  of  the  wheels  move  on 
friction  rollers,  and  the  pinion  leaves  are  made  so  as  to 
revolve  by  the  impulse  of  the  wheel  teeth,  which  are  of 
a  peculiar  form  made  by  Mr  David  Whitelaw,  watch 
and  clock  maker,  No.  16  Princes  Street,  Edinburgh,  for 
the  late  Andrew  Waddell,  Esq.,  Hermitage  Hill,  Leith." 

Paper  read  by  John  Robinson,  Esq.,  Secretary  of  the 
Royal  Society,  Edinburgh,  7th  February  1831,  regarding 
a  time-keeper  in  the  hall  of  the  Royal  Society  of 
Edinburgh.1 — "  The  principal  circumstances  in  which  this 
time-keeper  differs  from  the  usual  construction  are 
these :— 

"  1st.  In  having  an  escapement  which  requires  no  oil. 

"2nd.  In  having  the  pendulum  and  ball  formed  of  a 
material  not  hitherto  used  for  this  purpose. 

"3rd.  In  having  the  mechanism  entirely  secured 
against  the  effects  of  dust,  and  in  a  great  degree  against 
those  of  hygrometric  changes  in  the  atmosphere. 

1  If  this  is  the  same  clock  which  is  at  present  in  the  hall,  George 
Street,  the  following  is  the  inscription  on  dial  : — "  Presented  to  the 
Royal  Scottish  Society  of  Arts  by  Reid  &  Auld,  late  Clock  and  Watch 
Makers,  Edin.,  by  whom  a  bequest  has  been  made  to  the  Society  for 
the  benefit  of  the  journeymen  clock  and  watch  makers,  1846.  Reid 
&  Auld,  1791,  Edin." 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  393 

"  The  escapement  is  the  invention  of  Mr  Whitelaw, 
a  very  ingenious  artist  in  this  city,  who  has  been 
employed  to  make  the  clock.  The  next  peculiarity  in 
this  clock  is  the  material  of  which  the  pendulum  rod  and 
ball  have  been  made.  Marble  has  been  adopted  for  this 
purpose  in  consequence  of  a  suggestion  made  to  me  by 
Dr  Brewster.  Case  was  made  air-tight,  excepting  in 
one  place  where  a  short  tube  is  fixed  in  an  opening  from 
which  projects  externally  about  two  inches,  on  which 
a  half-distended  air-bag  is  made  fast." 

David  Whitelaw  died  at  6  So.  St  Andrew  Street, 
Edinburgh,  gth  April  1846,  aged  70  years. 

WHITELAW,  JAMES.  Edinburgh,  1820-46;  15  Register 
Street,  1820-28;  West  Register  Street,  1846;  died  at 
6  So.  St  Andrew  Street,  Qth  April  1846,  aged  70. 

WHITELAW  &  FLETCHER.  75  Princes  Street,  Edin- 
burgh, 1824. 

"Whitelaw  and  Fletcher,  watch  and  clock  makers, 
long  in  the  employment  of  Mr  Bryson,  beg  leave  to 
intimate  that  they  have  commenced  business  at  75 
Princes  Street,  opposite  to  the  Mound.  From  the  long 
experience  they  have  had  in  all  the  branches  of  their 
business  they  beg  to  assure  those  who  may  honour  them 
with  their  employment  that  no  pains  will  be  spared  to 
give  satisfaction.  Both  the  partners  have  been  much  in 
the  practice  of  repairing  musical  clocks,  watches,  and 
boxes,  and  their  friends  may  rely  that  any  entrusted  to 
their  care  will  be  attended  to  in  the  best  manner. "- 
Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  loth  June  1824. 

WHYTE,  DUNCAN.     George  Street,  Oban,  1837. 

WHYTOCK,  PETER.     Overgate,  Dundee,  1844. 

WIGHT,  ANDREW.    Ayr,  1848. 

WIGHTMAN,  ALEXANDER.    Moffat,  1837. 

WILD,  F.  J.     Murraygate,  Dundee,  1844. 

WILKIE,  JOHN.     Cupar-Fife,  1830-54. 
Son  of  below. 

WILKIE,  ROBERT.     Cupar-Fife,  1792-1830. 

"Stolen  in  Cupar  Market  on  the  i8th  April  1792,  a 
silver  watch,  marked  No.  8698,  maker's  name  P.  Parker, 
London.  Whoever  will  deliver  the  above  watch  to 


394  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

Robert  Wilkie,  watchmaker,  Cupar-Fife,  will  be  suitably 
rewarded,  and  it  is  expected  that  watchmakers  and 
others  will  stop  the  same  if  offered  for  sale." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  26th  April  1792. 

WILKIE,  ROBERT.     Leven,  Fife,  1825-75. 

Born  25th  February  1805  ;  died  24th  March  1875. 

WILKINSON,  JOSEPH.     Carlisle  and  Annan,  1843. 

WILL,  ALEXANDER.    Huntly,  1822. 

"  Catherine  Will  in  Hexham  served  Heir  Portioner 
of  Conquest  General  to  her  uncle,  Alexander  Will,  Clock- 
maker,  Huntly,  dated  I2th  Octr.  1822.  Recorded  i8th 
Octr.  1822." — Services  of  Heirs. 

WILLIAMS,  PETER.     Dunfermline..  1760-8. 

The  following  is  copied  from  the  tombstone  marking 
his  last  resting-place  in  the  churchyard  of  Dunfermline 
Abbey. 

"  Here  lies  the  corpse  of  Peter  Williams,  Watch  and 
Clock  Maker  in  Dunfermline,  who  died  Februarie  1768, 
aged  23  years,  and  Christian  Williams,  wife  of  James 
Murrie,  who  died  28th  of  February  1800. 

"  In  memory  of  two  most  affectionate  and  dutiful 
parents,  Thomas  Williams,  who  departed  this  life  22nd 
January  1784,  in  6Qth  year  of  his  age,  and  Elish. 
Haig,  his  wife,  who  departed  this  life  loth  July  1785,  in 
68th  year  of  hir  age. 

"  Of  worldly  cares  we  had  our  share 
When  in  this  world  as  you  now  are 
But  now  our  Bodies  rest  in  dust 
Waiting  the  rising  of  the  just." 

WILLIAMSON,  GEORGE,     n  Kirkgate,  Leith,  1819. 
WILLIAMSON,  JAMES.     Dundee,  1824. 

WILLIAMSON,  JOHN.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1750. 
Apprenticed  to  Thomas  Hall,  1750. 

WILLIAMSON,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1778-1825. 

Apprenticed  to  Turnbull  &  Aitchison,  28th  May 
1778.  In  business,  Blackfriars  Wynd,  1800;  279 
Cowgate,  1825. 

WILLIAMSON,  ROBERT.     Falkirk,  1825-37. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  395 

WILLIAMSON,  WILLIAM.     Banff,  1626.     See  p.  37. 
WILLOX,  ALEXANDER.    Aberdeen,  1632.     See  p.  5. 
WILSON,  DAVID.     Whang  Street,  Beith,  1837-50. 
WILSON,  GEORGE.    Edinburgh,  1760. 

Apprenticed  to  Robert  Cliedsdale,  I2th  April  1760. 
WILSON,  HUGH.     Edinburgh,  1772-80. 

Apprenticed  to  Laurence  Dalgleish,  2nd  June  1772. 
Discharged  of  his  indentures  6th  May  1780. 

WILSON,  JAMES.     Ettrick.     Born  1748;  died  1821. 

WILSON,  JAMES.     Kelso,  1809. 

Died  on  the  nth  November  1809  at  his  lodgings  in 
Goodge  Street,  Tottenham  Court  Road,  Mr  James 
Wilson,  watchmaker,  late  of  Lombard  Street,  London. 

"This  lamented  gentleman  was  a  native  of  Kelso 
and  when  living  was  honoured  by  the  intimacy  of  many 
of  the  learned  and  wise  of  all  nations  who  might  reside 
in  the  Empire.  His  force  of  intellect  was  far  superior  to 
the  station  in  which  fortune  had  placed  him,  as  when 
encircled  with  the  beaux  esprits  of  the  age  he  suffered  no 
diminution  in  the  character  of  his  mind  by  comparative 
brilliancy,  but  issued  his  attic  flashes  with  equal  point 
and  poignancy.  Wherever  he  associated  good  sense 
stood  at  his  right  hand  and  good  manners  at  his  left, 
and  he  was  in  his  own  liberal  department  a  luminous 
illustration  of  what  a  gentleman  should  be,  intelligent 
without  pedantry,  graceful  without  affectation,  affectionate 
to  the  objects  of  his  friendship,  but  kind  to  every  being 
who  came  within  the  circle  of  his  action.  He  loved  all 
mankind  as  his  natural  brethren  but  he  loved  Great 
Britain  better  than  any  other,  yet  the  influence  of  the 
natale  solum  could  never  make  him  unjust  or  ungenerous. 
This  brief  and  frail  testimony  comes  from  no  venal  pen  ; 
it  is  the  spontaneous  tribute  of  an  honest  heart  towards 
departed  worthiness.  It  is  not  a  purchased  eulogy  which 
declares  on  the  lying  monument  everything  but  what  is 
true,  but  the  sorrowing  result  of  meditation  over  the 
ashes  of  a  rare  and  good  man,  who  when  living  made 
society  happier  by  his  discourse  and  more  refined  by  his 
example." — Edinburgh  Evening  Courant,  3Oth  November 
1809. 

WILSON,  JAMES.     Loop,  Turriff,  about  1800. 


396  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

WILSON,  JOHN.     George  Street,  Oban,  1837. 
WILSON,  JOHN.     Edinburgh,  1708-14. 

Apprenticed  to  Richard  Mills,  5th  July  1708. 

22nd  March  1711. — "The  which  day  in  presence  of 
the  incorporation,  there  being  a  petition  given  in  by 
John  Wilson,  late  apprentice  to  the  deceast  Richard 
Mills,  clockmaker,  publickly  read,  craving  that  he  may 
serve  the  time  of  his  indentures  yet  to  run  with  any 
of  the  freeman  clockmakers,  or  to  take  liberty  to  work 
where  he  finds  it  convenient  until  the  time  of  his 
indentures  be  expired,  that  he  may  get  a  discharge 
from  the  incorporation  in  order  to  get  his  freedom. 
The  meeting  unanimously  do  remit  the  petitioner  to 
endeavour  to  settle  with  any  of  the  freemen  clockmakers 
betwixt  and  the  next  quarter  day  to  teach  him  his  trade, 
and  declares  that  if  none  of  them  accept  of  and  have 
work  for  him,  that  they  allow  him  to  work  where  he 
finds  it  without  the  privileges  of  the  town  until  his 
indentures  be  expired.  And  then  the  house  will  grant 
him  a  discharge  of  his  indentures  that  he  may  get  his 
freedom  thereby  in  due  time." 

5///  August  1714. — "The  house  grants  warrand  to 
the  present  Deacon  and  Boxmaster  to  discharge  John 
Wilson,  late  apprentice  to  John  Mellns,  clockmaker,  in 
respect  the  time  continued  'yairin'  is  expired  in  regard 
the  Incorporation  by  their  act  dated  first  day  of  May 
1713  did  allow  him  to  work  where  he  pleased  until  the 
time  of  his  indentures  were  done,  and  there  they 
declared  they  would  grant  him  a  discharge  that  he 
might  get  his  freedom  yairby." — E.  H.  Records. 

WILSON,  P.     Keith,  1846. 

WILSON,  T.  H.     ii   Leith  Street,  Edinburgh,  1850. 

WILSON,  THOMAS.     High  Street,  Stewarton,  1837. 

WILSON,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh,  1742. 

Son  to  Mr  John  Wilson,  schoolmaster  at  Fourdoun  ; 
booked  apprentice  to  Patrick  Gordon  7th  August  1742. 

WILSON,  WILLIAM.     Loup,  Auchterless,  about  1830. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  *397 

WINTER,  ROBERT.     12  North   Bridge  Street,  Edinburgh, 

1837- 
WISEMAN,  JAMES.     Hamilton,  1849. 

WITHERSPOON,  ALEXANDER.    Edinburgh,  1831-34. 

"Prepare  for  dark  Winter  ere  it  comes  upon  you. 
Alexander  Witherspoon,  Watchmaker,  3  Greenside 
Place,  Edinburgh,  takes  the  liberty  thus  to  draw  the 
notice  of  the  public  to  those  points  in  which  he  considers 
himself  able  to  render  them  a  service.  Happy  is  it  for 
the  individual  and  the  public  when  their  interest  is  in 
such  harmony,  that  the  more  the  individual  pursues  his 
own  he  equally  promotes  the  public  advantage.  A.  W. 
flatters  himself  he  is  so  placed  in  the  service  he 
offers.  He  announces  among  a  variety  of  inventions 
in  Chronometry  that  of  converting  any  watch  having 
a  brass  edge  into  a  substitute  for  a  repeating  watch 
by  which  the  hour  will  be  most  readily  known  through- 
out the  dark  nights  of  winter.  Repeaters  would  be 
generally  used  were  it  not  for  the  great  expense  of 
keeping  them  in  repair;  they  are  a  luxury.  To  give 
a  well  appropriate  substitute  for  such  a  desirable  thing 
at  little  original  and  no  current  expense  must  be  hailed 
by  many  as  a  good  contribution  to  the  comforts  of 
society.  Good  old  family  watches  will  answer  well  for 
such  conversion.  This  is  not  selected  as  the  greatest  of 
the  inventions  noticed,  and  to  which  the  attention  of  the 
public  will  in  turn  be  claimed,  but  for  being  of  such 
evident  usefulness  that  orders  may  be  given  instanter. 
Specimens  of  watches  so  rendered  and  of  the  other 
inventions  will  at  any  time  be  seen  at  the  shop. 
Watches  forwarded  from  the  country  either  for  repair  or 
for  being  so  rendered  will  be  most  pointedly  attended 
to.  Clocks  and  watches  repaired  with  every  attention 
to  their  improvement.  He  particularly  invites  to  send 
him  their  most  faulty  ones  accompanied  with  a  state- 
ment of  what  they  complain. 

"  A.  W.  having  just  commenced  business  here  will  be 
glad  to  serve  his  friends  and  the  public  with  new  clocks 


398  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

and    watches    on    very    moderate    terms." — Edinburgh 
Evening  Courant,  2Oth  August  1831. 

"  Mr  C.  B.  Tait  begs  to  inform  that  on  Friday,  May 
9th,  he  will  sell  by  auction  in  his  great  room,  No.  11 
Hanover  Street,  the  stock  of  Mr  Witherspoon,  watch- 
maker, Greenside  Place,  leaving  this  country  for 
America,  consisting  of  timepieces  of  a  novel  and 
extraordinary  construction  recently  exhibited  in  the 
Caledonian  Bazaar.  Several  of  the  timepieces  have  the 
new  detached  pendulum  escapement,  for  which  Mr 
Witherspoon  was  awarded  the  highest  prize  by  the 
Society  of  Arts  for  Scotland,  and  others  having  escape- 
ments equally  novel  and  ingenious." — The  Scotsman, 
28th  April  1834. 

WITHERSPOON,  ALEXANDER.     Tranent,  1841. 

In  the  Transactions  of  the  Royal  Scottish  Society  of 
Arts  for  the  year  1841,  vol.  i.,  page  95,  is  given  a  de- 
scription of  a  new  detached  pendulum  escapement 
invented  by  Alexander  Witherspoon,  watchmaker, 
Tranent.  As  the  account  given  in  the  above  volume 
runs  into  a  paper  of  six  octavo  pages,  readers  interested 
are  invited  to  a  perusal  of  the  account  given  for  fuller 
details,  but  it  seems  certain  that  this  is  the  same 
individual  who  was  in  Edinburgh,  and  who  may  or 
may  not  have  been  in  America  as  the  notice  of  the  sale 
of  his  stock  hints  at. 

WOOD,  ALEXANDER.    Stirling,  1834. 

WOOD,  ALEXANDER.     22  Argyle  Street,  Glasgow,  1836. 

WOTHERSPOON,  JOHN.     Glasgow,  1830. 

WRIGHT,  WALTER.     Ecclefechan,  1837. 

WRIGHT,  WILLIAM.     High  Street,  Dunbar,  1820-37. 

WYLIE,  DAVID.     Laigh  Street,  Greenock,  1783. 

WYLIE,  GEORGE.     Dumfries,  1796. 

WYLIE,  WILLIAM.     Edinburgh,  1756. 

Son  of  John  Wylie,  teacher  of  English  in  Edinburgh  ; 

booked    apprentice   to  Robert   Clidsdale,  7th  February 

1756. 


OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS  399 

WYLIE,  WILLIAM.     Stromness,  Orkney,  1836. 

WYLLIE,  ALEXANDER.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1721. 

Apprenticed  to  George  Scott. 
WYLLIE,  ALFRED.    Dumfries,  1753. 

"Janet  Bishop  or  Wyllie,  wife  of  Alfred  Wyllie, 
watchmaker,  Dumfries,  served  Heir  Portioner  General 
to  her  God  Father  David  Bishop,  dated  7th  July  1753." 
— Services  of  Heirs. 

YEAMAN,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1791. 

Apprenticed  to  George  Skelton,  I4th  May  1791. 
YEAMAN,  JOHN.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1734-49. 
YOUL,  GEORGE.     Edinburgh,  1773. 

"  Apprenticed  to  John  Skirving,  I4th  December  1773. 
The  incorporation  with  the  approbation  of  John  Skirving, 
the  master,  gave  their  consent  that  George  Youl  should 
serve  the  reminder  of  his  time  with  Robert  Clidsdale, 
30th  Octr.  1779."— £.  H.  Records. 

YOUNG,  ARCHIBALD.     Murraygate,  Dundee,  1828. 

YOUNG,  CHARLES.     Perth,  1795. 

YOUNG,  JAMES.     Canongate,  Edinburgh,  1757. 

Apprenticed  to  George  Monro,  23rd  March  1757. 
YOUNG,  JAMES.     Edinburgh,  1752. 

Son  to  William  Young,  indweller  in  the  "  Abbay  "  of 
Holyrood  House;  booked  apprentice  to  Archibald 
Straiten  9th  September  1752. 

YOUNG,  JAMES.     Wellgate,  Dundee,  1828. 
YOUNG,  JAMES.     Perth,  1764-92. 

Admitted  freeman  of  the  Incorporation  of  Hammer- 
men, Perth,  1764.  Elected  boxmaster  1765. 

"Lost  or  carried  off  on  the  3Oth  November  1769,  a 
silver  watch,  name  J.  Greenwood,  London,  No.  10043, 
with  a  whitned  cock.  Whoever  can  stop  the  said  watch 
let  them  acquaint  James  Young,  watchmaker  in  Perth, 
who  will  reward  them  for  their  trouble." — Edinburgh 
Advertiser,  I2th  December  1769. 

YOUNG,  JOHN.     Factory    Street,    Pollokshaws,    Glasgow, 
1836. 


400  OLD  SCOTTISH  CLOCKMAKERS 

YOUNG,  JOHN  G.     Murraygate,  Dundee,  1850. 
YOUNG,  MALCOLM.     Edinburgh,  1772. 

Apprenticed  to  Laurence  Dalgleish,  28th  February 

1772. 

YOUNG,  MALCOLM.     Perth,  1781. 

YOUNG,  PATRICK.     Forfar  ;  died  1 8th  January  1811. 

YOUNG,  SAMUEL.     Perth,  1781. 

YOUNG,  THOMAS.     Edinburgh,  1713. 

Son  to  John  Young,  brewer,  burgess  of  Edinburgh  ; 
booked  apprentice  to  William  Sutor,  5th  May  1713. 

YOUNG,    THOMAS.     Perth,    1789.     Murray    Street    up    to 
1848. 

Apprenticed  to  Alexander  Macfarlane. 

YOUNG,     THOMAS.       Edinburgh,     1823-50,    22    Carnegie 
Street  and  4  East  Adam  Street. 

YOUNG,  THOMAS.     Wellgate,  Dundee,  1850. 

YOUNG,  THOMAS.     Watch   glass   maker,  5   North    Bridge 
Street,  Edinburgh.      1837. 

YOUNG,  WILLIAM.     Auchtergaven,  Perthshire,  1836. 
YOUNG,  WILLIAM.     Perth,  1763. 

Admitted  freeman  of  the  Incorporation  of  Hammer- 
men, Perth,  28th  November  1763.  Elected  Deacon  1765. 

YOUNG,  WILLIAM.     High  Street,  Dundee,  1805-43. 
YOUNG,  WILLIAM.     Stirling,  1824. 

"  SALE  OF  WATCHES,  WATCH  TOOLS,  ETC.— There 
will  be  sold  by  public  roup  on  Wednesday  first,  the  I  ith 
day  of  July  curt.,  within  the  sale-room  of  Mr  Birch, 
auctioneer,  Stirling,  the  stock-in-trade  of  the  deceased 
Mr  William  Young,  watchmaker  in  Stirling,  consisting 
of  a  few  watches,  an  assortment  of  watch-chains  and 
seals,  watch-glasses  and  hands,  clock  dials,  watch  tools, 
etc.,  all  for  ready  money." — Stirling  Journal,  8th  July 
1824. 

YUIL,  THOMAS.     Queen  Street,  Castle  Douglas,  1836. 
YUILL,  ROBERT.    Gorbals,  Glasgow,  1840-49. 
YULE,  JAMES.     King  Street,  Castle  Douglas,  1836. 


APPENDIX 


List  of  Names  of  Clock  and  Watch  Makers  in  various 
English,  Irish,  and  Isle  of  Man  towns,  all  in  business 
at  the  dates  given. 

OLD   ENGLISH    CLOCKMAKERS 


ALNWICK  Blaylock,  John,  53  Scotch  Street 

Collingwood,  Matthew,  Bondgate          (1836) 
Street  (1820) 


Carruthers,     James,      17     Scotch 


Gibson,  John  (1820) 


Street  (1836) 


Tate,  Thomas,  Fenkle  Street  (i 820)      M'Duff,  James,   Irish  Gate  Brow 

(1836) 
Ivison,  Thomas,  3  Green  Market 

(1836) 
Rennie,  James,   15   Scotch  Street 

(1836) 
Robinson,     Enoch,     58     English 

Street  (1836) 
Routledge,     Adam,     32     English 

Street  (1836) 
Wheatley,    Thomas,    31    English 

Street  (1836) 

BLANFORD,  DORSETSHIRE 


Odgen,  J.  (1720) 

BELLINGHAM  (1785) 

Graham,  William 
Graham,  Thomas 

BRENTFORD  (1712) 
Atfield,  James 

CARLISLE 
Baird,  George  Street  (1820) 


COCKERMOUTH  (1820) 

Graham,  George 
Mitchell,  Barwise 


Blaylock,    J.    £    W.,    Rickergate      Ward,  Henry  (1808) 

(1820) 
Gardner,  John,  Annetwell  Street 

(1820) 
Ivison,  John,  St  Alban's  Row 

(1820) 
Moss,  George,  English  Street  Simpson,  Mary 

(1820) 
Rennie,  James,  Scotch  Street 

(1820) 
Routledge,  Adam,  English  Street 

(1820) 
Monkhouse,  John  (1790) 

401 


COVENTRY,  WARWICKSHIRE 
Smith,  Samuel  (1812) 

DARLINGTON  (1820) 
Monkhouse,  John,  High  Row 
2  C 


402 


APPENDIX 


DURHAM  (1820) 

Bolton,  John,  New  Elvet 
Charlton,  John,  Elvet  Bridge 
Denham,  Charles,  Clay  Path 
Hodgson,  Thomas,  Silver  Street 
Loughborougb,  John,  Cross  Gate 
Oswald,  Robert,  Market  Place 
Raine,  Joseph,  Silver  Street 

HANLEY,  STAFFORDSHIRE 
Massey,  Edward  (1804) 

HEXHAM 

Morpeth,  Thomas  (1725) 
Richardson,  J.  (1710) 
Weatherall,  Thomas  (1796) 

KENDAL  (1820) 

Burton,  Einanuel,  Finkle  Street 
Muncaster,  John,  Stricklandgate 
Parkinson,       Nathaniel,       Finkle 

Street 
Pennington,   Christopher,   Market 

Place 

Scales,  William,  Stramongate 
Squire,  James,  Stricklandgate 
Wilkieson,  John  (1771) 

MARYPORT  (1820) 

Creig,  Joseph,  Senhouse  Street 
Thompson,  John,  Senhouse  Street 

MORPETH 

Bowman,  Daniel,  Newgate  Street 

(1820) 
Clark,    Michael,    Newgate    Street 

(1820) 

Hardie,  John,  Capper-Chare  (1820) 
Rawson,    John,    Newgate    Street 

(1820) 
Liddle,  John  (1780) 

NESSFIELD,  YORKSHIRE  (1805) 
Prior,  John 


NEWCASTLE-UPON-TYNE 

Craig,  John,  Pilgrim  Street  (1820) 
Fallow    &     Kromer,    34    Mosley 

Street  (1820) 
Fletcher,    Thomas,     Ballast    Hill 

(1820) 
Frames,      George,     New     Street, 

Gateshead  (1820) 
Greaves,     Thomas,      Quay     Side 

(1820) 
Laidlow,    Thomas,    High    Bridge 

(1820) 
Lamb,  Thomas,  High  Friar  Street 

(1820) 
Lister,  William,  33  Mosley  Street 

(1820) 

Loraine,  James,  Side  (1820) 
Marshall,     John,      High      Bridge 

(1820) 
Sessford,    Joseph,    Groat    Market 

(1820) 
Smith,   John,    Head   of    the   Side 

(1820) 

Smith,  Thomas,  Quayside  (1820) 
Stuart,  George,   13  Groat  Market 

(1820) 
Tinkler,        Strachan,        Sandgate 

(1820) 

Trotter,  Joseph,  Broad  Chare(  1 820) 
Watson,    Michael,    Old     Butcher 

Market  (1820) 
Tickle,  William  (1740) 
Travis,  T.  (1710) 
Barr,    Fedel,    21     Groat     Market 

(1836) 
Broadbelt,     George,     27     Church 

Street  (1836) 
Donald,  James,  34  Mosley  Street 

(1836) 
Fallow,    Jos.,   4    Northumberland 

Street  (1836) 
Fallow,  Martin,  73  Pilgrim  Street 

(1836) 
Forster,    John,    20    High    Bridge 

(1836) 

Frame,     George,    Church    Street, 
Gateshead  (1836) 


APPENDIX 


403 


Kirton,   William,    14    Colingwood 

Street  (1836) 
Lewis,  George  Samuel,  6  Mosley 

Street  (1836) 
Lister,  William,  16  Mosley  Street 

(1836) 

Long,  Theodore,  3  Bridge,  Gates- 
head  (1836) 
Loraine,     James,    Felling     Shore 

(1836) 
Maughan,  Joseph  Heppell,  Bottle 

Bank,  Gateshead  (1836) 
Reid    &    Sons,    12    Dean    Street 

(1836) 
Rennison,      William,      St     Ann's 

Street  (1836) 
Robeson,    William,    52    Quayside 

(1836) 
Robson,    James,     Fenkle     Street 

(1836) 
Sessford,  Joseph,  10  Groat  Market 

(1836) 

Sharp,  John,  Byker  Hill  (1836) 
Smith,    Edward,    Pilgrim    Street 

(1836) 
Smith,  John,  44  Head  of  the  Side 

(1836) 
Stuart,  George,  82  Westgate  Street 

(1836) 
Tinkler,  Nicholas,  St  Ann's  Street 

(1836) 
Trotter,  Joseph,    16  Broad  Chare 

(1836) 
Tweedy,  William,  67  Head  of  the 

Side  (1836) 
Watson,     Robert,    Cloth    Market 

(1836) 

Watson,  Thomas,  106  Side  (1836) 
Whitnall,  James,  28  Close  (1836) 
Wilier,  Henry,  Castle  Garth  (1836) 
Young,    Mark,    13    Bigg    Market 
(1836) 

NORTH  SHIELDS  (1820) 
Blackwood,  William,  Union  Street 
Brown,  William,  Low  Street 
Coulson,  \Villiam,  Low  Street 


Gibson,  George,  Union  Street 
Howgarth,  John,  Stevenson  Street 
Robson,  William,  Low  Street 

PENRITH  (1820) 
Peacock,  John,  Little  Docray 
Posthouse,  William,  Docray 
Rawson,  John,  Market  Place 
Roper,  Martin,  Little  Docray 
Wilkinson,  Joseph,  Castlegate 

SOUTH  SHIELDS  (1820) 

Burton,  William,  Fairies  Street 
Fenwick,  John,  Long  Row 
Gallon,  William,  East  Holborn 
Stockton,  George,  Long  Row 

SUNDERLAND   (1820) 

Airey,  Smith,  High  Street 
Arlot,  William,  Bodlewell-la 
Atkin,  John,  High  Street 
Cockburn,  William,  High  Street 
Dodds,  Moses,  Mark  Quay 
Grawland,  Clement,  High  Street 
Hills,  Ralph,  High  Street 
Nesbitt,  George,  High  Street 
Parton,  William,  Mark  Quay 
Taylor,  G.  R.,  High  Street 

WHITEHAVEN  (1820) 

Crabb,  James,  44  Strand  Street 
Dawes,  John,  8  Roper  Street 
Jackson,  William,  50  King  Street 
Muncaster,  William,  n   Hamilton 

Lane 

Pearson,  John,  20  Church  Street 
Thompson,  Joseph,  8  Duke  Street 

WlGTON   (1820) 

Howe,  John,  High  Street 
Musgrave,      Richard,      Coupland 

Square 

Simpson,  John,  Allonby  Road 
Telford,  John,  High  Street 


404: 


APPENDIX 


WORKINGTON   (1820) 

Simpson,  Daniel,  Finkle  Street 
Walker,  Joseph,  Wilson  Street 
Wood,  Robert,  Market  Place 

YORK  (1715) 
Hindley,  I. 

BIRMINGHAM  (1836) 

Allport,  Samuel,  83  Bull  Street 
Betteridge,  Richard  Ezekiel,  18 

Church  Street 

Biddle,  George,  56  Coleshill  Street 
Birley,  Samuel,  76  High  Street 
Boddington,    William,    22  Jamica 

Row,  Smithfield 
Brunner,    Ignatius    (and    Musical 

Box),  66  Edgbaston  Street 
Carr,      Samuel,      113      Lancaster 

Street 
Dowling,  James,  178  Bromsgrove 

Street 

Eaves,  Charles,  Prospect  Row 
Ford,  James,  22  Carr's  Lane 
Greatbatch,     Richard,     2     Lower 

Temple  Street 
Greatbatch,  William,  52   Summer 

Lane 

Griffiths,  William,  4  Church  Street 
Hadley,    Thomas,    9    Smallbrook 

Street 
Hognet,     Augustus,      112      Great 

Charles  Street 
Holt,     Robert,      20     Bromsgrove 

Street 

Louis,  Abraham,  30  Dean  Street 
Moore,    John    Hassell,    33    Moor 

Street 

Nicholas,  Caleb,  26  Digbeth 
Pritchard,     William,      135      New 

Street 
Summons,    Josiah    H.,    4    Ashton 

Road 
Starkey,  Richard,  220  High  Street, 

Deritend 
Tansley,    Thomas,    Ashted     Row 


Tansley,    Sarah,   44    Constitution 

Hill 

Taylor,  Sarah,   n    Ashton  Street 
Turner,   Isaac,   12  Upper  Temple 

Street 

Waight,  John,  33  Snowhill 
Waight,     William,     72     Coleshill 

Street 
Warwick,    Thomas,    32    Colmore 

Row 
Watkins,     John      Stickley,      105 

Bromsgrove  Street 
Watkins,  Thomas  Henry,  2  Cheap- 
side 
Wilson,    Thomas,    118    Lancaster 

Street 
Woller,     Charles     (and      Musical 

Box),  63  Edgbaston  Street 

HULL  (1836) 

Alexander,      George,     33      Silver 

Street 
Armstrong,     George,     9      Myton 

Street 

Arthur,  James,  i  Dock  Office  Row 
Barnaby,  Bishop,  13  Marketplace 
Barnett,  Joseph,  53  Market  Place 
Bedell,      Peter,      North      Bridge, 

Witham 
Blanchard,    William    &    Son,    11 

Silver  Street 
Brunner,     Engelbert,     62     Myton 

Gate 

Cooper,  Matthew,  2  Witham 
Crackles,  Samuel,  13  Blanket  Row 
Drescher,  S.  M.,  21  Myton  Gate 
Dunn,  John,  33  Finkle  Street 
Ferrier,  William  Thornton,  Queen 

Street 
Forrester,    C.    A.,    67    Whitefriar 

Gate 
Forrester,      Patrick,     17      Market 

Place 

Gardner,  William,  19  Scale  Lane 
Harrison,   James   (Church   Clock) 

Hessle  Road 
Jacobs,  Bethel,  7  Whitefriar  Gate 


APPENDIX 


405 


Jacobs,  Emanuel,  Beverley  Road 
Larard,      Thomas,      32      Market 

Place 
Lupie  &  Solcha,  17  Humber  Dock 

Walls 

Maspoli,    Augustino,    79    Lower- 
gate 

Northen,  Richard,  50  Lowgate 
Payne,  Robert,  Trippett 
Ross,  John,  Waterworks  Street 
Shipham,  John,  21  Market  Place 
Symons,  Julia,  Queen  Street 
Terry,  William,  66  Lowgate 
Thornham,  George,  Todd's  Entry, 
Silver  Street 

LEEDS  (1836) 

Abrahams,  Phineas,  15  Briggate 
Brownhill,  Thomas,  20  Briggate 
Fowler,  Robert,  3  Hunslet  Lane 
Fryer,  William,  5  Lydgate 
Galloway,  James,  St  Peters  Street 
Galloway,  Matthew,  Kirkgate 
Galloway,    Thos.    £    John,    Kirk- 
gate 
Galloway,     William,      125     West 

Street 

Groves,  William,  32  Kirkgate 
Helliwell,  William,  54  Duke  Street 
Hermann,  Joseph,  Kirkgate 
Hirst,  George  K.,  97  Briggate 
Hunter,  Richard,  Hunslet  Lane 
Kettle  well,  John,  &  Kaberry,  157 

Briggate 

Prior,  George,  1817-1836,  4  Wood- 
house  Lane 
Scott,     Joseph,     221      Lowerhead 

Row 
Stephenson,       John,      18       Little 

Templar  Street 

Stonehouse,  Robert,  East  Street 
Swaine,  John,  5  Boar  Lane 
Terry,  Henry,  29  Briggate 
Waithman,      Mary       Ann,       165 

Briggate 

Westerman,  Richard,  I  Kirkgate 
Wilkinson,  John,  54  Briggate 


LIVERPOOL  (1836) 

Armstrong,  Thomas,  31  South  John 

Street 
Barrington,    Isaac,     118     London 

Road 
Barton,     Joseph,     Derby    Street, 

Edge  Hill 
Beesley,       George       &      Robert, 

Boundary  Street 
Bennet,    Thomas,     11     Newsham 

Street 

Bibby,  Thomas,  3  Renshaw  Street 
Birch,  James,  12  Standish  Street 
Blundell,  Thomas,  54  Upper  Pitt 

Street 
Bold,     Caleb,     Great     Richmond 

Street 

Bradley,  James  Gibson,  99  Rich- 
mond Row 
Bradshaw,    William,    9    Tarleton 

Street 
Brindle,     Ralph,     Derby     Street, 

Edge  Hill 

Brownhill,  James,  62  Whitechapel 
Brownhill,   James,    10    Richmond 

Row 

Brownhill,  John,  48  Prussia  Street 
Caddick,  Richard,  loBirkett  Street 
Cawson,  Eleanor,  1 10  Park  Lane 
Chadwick,  Benjamin,  34  Old  Hay- 
market 

Chapman,  James,  23  Peter  Street 
Chapman,  Moses,  45  Castle  Street 
Christian,  John,  20  Plumbe  Street 
Clitherow,    Thomas,    10    Warren 

Street 
Cohan,  Asher,  &   Sons,  26   South 

Castle  Street 

Cohan,  John,  82  Paradise  Street 
Cohen,  Priscilla,  8  Byrom  Street 
Cohen,  Simon,  34  Sir  Thomas's 

Buildings 

Condliff,  James,  Fraser  Street 
Cooke,  William,  56  Great  George 

Street 
Cranage,     Thomas     Stokes,     129 

Islington 


406 


APPENDIX 


Culverwell,    Richard    Major,    2\\ 

Tithebarn  Street 
Daniel,  Henry   £   John,  32  Tord 

Street 
Deutch,    A.,    6    Great    Charlotte 

Street 

Doke,  Richard,  33  Lord  Street 
Donking,  James,  46  Dale  Street 
Dowling,  William,  29  Circus  Street 
Drielsma,  Isaac  Jones,  36  Hanover 

Street 

Drury,  Francis,  45  School  Lane 
Dumbell,  John,  106  Scotland  Road 
Dutch,  Lesser,  99  Whitechapel 
Fairhurst,  John,  19  Copperas  Hill 
Finney,  Richard,  Claremont  Place, 

Kirkdale 

Fisher,  Richard,  13  Tarleton  Street 
Forber,  Edward,  75  Gerard  Street 
Forber,  Joshua,  99  Park  Lane 
Ford,  Thomas,  68  Circus  Street 
Foster,  John,  5  Williamson  Square 
Frodsham,  Henry,  38  Castle  Street 
Cleave,  John,  I  Hill  Street,  Brown- 
low  Hill 

Gore,  John,  Gerard  Street 
Grimshaw,  John,  42  Sir  Thomas's 

Buildings 

Harrison,  John,  14  Castle  Street 
Hart,    Nathan,    13     North     John 

Street 

Haworth,  Richard,  38  Pitt  Street 
Heineky,  Robert,  19  Gerard  Street 
Helsby,  James   Gooden,  7  Elliott 

Street 

Helsby,  John,  Bevington  Hill 
Hoffmayer,  Martin,  90  Dale  Street 
Holmes,     Peter,     50      Greenland 

Street 

Hornby,  James,  34  St  Paul's  Square 
Hornby,  John,  49  Prussia  Street 
Hornby,    Richard,    South    Castle 

Street 

Huges,  Lewis,  94  Sparling  Street 
Hulme,  Richard,  5  Leigh  Street 
Isaac  &  Co.,  19  South  Castle  Street 
Jackson,  Abraham,  42  Castle  Street 


James,     John,    7     Birket     Street, 

Soho 

Johnson,  Mary,  28  Church  Street 
Jones,  Charles,  &  Charles  Vaughan, 

South  Castle  Street 
Jones,  John,  3  Parliament  Street 
Jones,  John,  37  Gerard  Street 
Jones,  John,  4  Parliament  Street 
Jones,  Peter,  68  Rose  Place 
Kelly,  John,  33  Richmond  Row 
Latham,     Thomas,     47     Hanover 

Street 

Leders,  John,  London  Road 
Lee,  Isaac,  68  Seel  Street 
Leigh,  Joshua,  48  Gerard  Street 
Leve,  Barnet,  6  Lime  Street 
Levien,  Lewis  Woolf,  64  Paradise 

Street 

Linaker,  Henry,  21  Torbock  Street 
Litherland,  Davis,  £  Co.,  19  Bold 

Street 
Longsworth,    Peter,    5    St    John's 

Lane 
Moorhouse,  William,  33  Ranelagh 

Street 

Moncas,  Thomas,  Richmond  Row 
Moss,  James  Dennet,  100  Brown- 
low  Hill 

Nathan,  Phillip,  25  Castle  Street 
Nelson,     Thomas,     3     Bevington 

Bush 

Newton,  Joseph,  n  Bath  Street 
Norris,      Francis,      108       Mount 

Pleasant 

Parr,  Mary,  121  Whitechapel 
Penlington,    Joseph,     36     Church 

Street 

Pickford,  John,  20  Mersey  Street 
Pinnington,     Thomas,     66    Great 

Crosshall  Street 

Poole,  James,  4  Tenterden  Street 
Priest,  John,  Stanley  Street 
Priest,  Jonas,  2  St  Anne's  Street 
Radcliffe,  Charles,  21  Duke  Street 
Rigby,  James,  30  Richmond  Row 
Rigby,     William,     38     Tenterden 

Street 


APPENDIX 


407 


Roskell,  Robert  &  Son,  13  and  14 

Church  Street 

Rowley,  Henry,  71  Rose  Place 
Russell,  William,  50  Pitt  Street 
Samuel,  F.  &  Co.,  3  Clarence 

Buildings 
Samuel,   L.   H.  &   Co.,  38   South 

Castle  Street 

Samuel,  Lewis,  7  Lord  Street 
Samuel,  Louis,  72  Paradise  Street 
Samuel,    Samuel    J.,    23    Basnett 

Street 

Samuel,  Simpson,  Temple  Court 
Scramble,     Peter,     7     Exchange 

Street,  East 

Seager,  John,  20  Simpson  Street 
Sevvill,   Joseph,   35    South    Castle 

Street 
Spears,       Frederick,       Tenterden 

Street 

Spencer,  John,  28  Russell  Street 
Speth  and  Brothers,  87  Dale  Street 
Stuart,  Henry,  75  Park  Lane 
Stubley,    Benjamin,  180   Vauxhall 

Road 

Stubley,  John,  66  Vauxhall  Road 
Taylor,  John  &  Co.,  88  Whitechapel 
Taylor,   John    Daniel,   47   White- 
chapel 

Taylor,  William,  16  Basnett  Street 
Tobias,  Miah,  Isaac  &  Co.,  Dorans 

Lane 
Townley  &  Quilliam,  60  Renshaw 

Street 

Townley,  John,  16  Harford  Street 
Verley,  Daniel,  10  Parker  Street 
Walker,    James,    15    Collingwood 

Street 

Wardlow,  Henry,  64  Lime  Street 
Weatherilt,     Samuel,     23     Great 

Crosshall  Street 
Weatherilt,  William,  25  Lawrence 

Street 

Wignall,  Charles,  18  Soho  Street 
Wilcockson,  Henry,  in  Copperas 

Hill 
Winter,  Thomas,  51  Gerard  Street 


Wood,  William,  31  Seymour  Street 
Woods,  Peter,  20  Scotland  Place 
Woolf,  Lewis,  Church  Street 
Wright,  R.  £  J.,  58  Lime  Street 
Yates  &  Hess,  16  Lord  Street 

MANCHESTER  (1836) 

Abbott,  Francis,  50  Market  Street 
Abrahams,     Isaac     (Dealer),     69 

Hanover  Street 

Armstrong,  Joseph,  88  Deansgate 
Armstrong,  Robert,  15  Old    Mill- 
gate 
Barnett,     Peter,     15     Greengate, 

Salford 

Brown,  Thomas,  20  Bridge  Street 
Bunyan,  Thomas,   120  Greengate, 

Salford 

Clare,  Peter,  16  Quay  Street 
Clegg,  James,  17  Bradford  Street 
Clement,  J.,  6  St  Mary's  Gate 
Cooke,  Henry,  6  Esdailes    Build- 
ings, Oxford  Street 
Davies,  Emanuel,  68  Chapel  Street, 

Salford 

Drescher,  Simon,  44  Shudehill 
Fallows,  John  Baptist,  5  Old  Bridge 

Street 
Franklin,   Abraham,    I    St    Ann's 

Place 

Glatz,  Joseph,  4  Old  Bridge  Street 
Gledhill,    Richard,    258     Oldham 

Road 
Greenhalgh,   John,    125    and    127 

London  Road 
Harris,     Henry     James,    6     New 

Richmond 

Hatfield  &  Hall,  56  King  Street 
Hemingway,  John,  in  Piccadilly 
Jacob,  Henry,  6  Bank  Buildings 
Jones,  John,  32  Long  Millgate 
Jordan,  John,  8  Hanging  Ditch 
Kemshead,    Widow,     26     Market 

Street 

Kent,  William  Worsley,  63  Deans- 
gate 
Knight,  Thomas,  55  Oldham  Street 


408 


APPENDIX 


Lacker,  Michael,  141  Deansgate 
Mayo,  William  &  Son,  13  Market 

Street 

Mendelson,  Henry,  38  King  Street 
Moss,  William  Selby,  71  Oldham 

Street 

Nathan,  Asher,  8  King  Street 
Ollivant,    Thomas    and     John,    2 

Exchange  Street 

Plant,  William,  39  Portland  Street 
Rennie,  William  &  Co.,  61   Lever 

Street 

Rhind,  James,  33  Woburn  Place 
Richardson,  John,    5   St    George's 

Road 
Richardson,    Thomas,     20     Swan 

Street,  Shudehill 
Robertshaw,      John,      41      Great 

Bridgewater  Street 
Robertson,  Joseph,  17  Brook  Street 
Robinson,    Benjamin,    56    Chapel 

Street,  Salford 
Sneddon,  William,  4  Chester  Road, 

Hulme 
Sermin  &   Kaltinbach,   18  Chapel 

Street,  Salford 
Simmons,     Isaac,     9      St     Ann's 

Square 
Smith,    John,    59    Water    Street, 

Bridge  Street 
Taylor,  Thomas,  3  Mason  Street, 

Swan  Street 

Terry,  Thomas,  12  Bridge  Street 
Thelwell,    Richard,    3    St     Ann's 

Square 
Warmisham,  William,  5  Half  Street 


Whitehead,  William,  16  St  Mary's 

Gate 
Wyatt,  Lewis,  u  Portland  Street 

SHEFFIELD  (1836) 
Beal,      Samuel,      2      Cumberland 

Street 

Bright  £  Sons,  19  Market  Place 
Brookhouse,  John,  81  Fargate 
Brown,       William,      Hawksworth 

Court,  High  Street 
Chumbley,  William,  2  Castle  Fold 
Donking,      James      Gerard,       38 

Fargate 

Evatt,  Henry  R.,  15  Queen  Street 
Flather,  William,  18  Church  Street 
Heaton,  Thomas,  33  King  Street 
Heseldin,  George,  10  Shales  Moor 
Holden,  George,  21  Fargate 
Johnson,  David,  49  Campo  Lane 
Lomas,     J.oseph,     Broad      Street, 

Park 

Raven,  William,  13  Waingate 
Robinson,  Thomas,  28  High  Street 
Russell,  John,  9  Coulston  Street 
Smith,  Samuel,  6  Allen  Street 
Snidall,  Samuel,  16  High  Street 
Swearer,     Lawrence,     4     Watson 

Walk 
Symmons,     Samuel,     57     Campo 

Lane 

Wilson,  Edmund,  47  King  Street 
Wilson,  John,  South  Street 

SCARBOROUGH  (1808) 
King,  R. 


APPENDIX 


409 


SOME    ISLE   OF   MAN   CLOCKMAKERS,   1837. 


Clucas,     William,     North    Quay, 

Douglas 
Clurphey,  William,    Duke  Street, 

Douglas 
Craystile,     John,     Market    Place, 

Ramsey 
Cotrier,     John,     Market      Street, 

Peel 
Graves,    William,    Market    Place, 

Ramsey 
Higgin,  John,  Big  Street,  Peel 


Kneale,     John,      Malevv      Street, 

Castletown 
Lemon,     Abraham,     &      Morris, 

Duke  Street,  Douglas 
Moughtin,  Thomas,  Ballaugh 
Muncaster  &  Son,  Arbory  Street, 

Castletown 
Muncaster,      William      &      Son, 

Factory  Lane,  Douglas 
White,  Dominic,  Barometer  Maker, 

North  Quay,  Douglas 


SOME   OLD    IRISH    CLOCKMAKERS,    1820-1. 

A  few  in  Dublin  earlier  specially  dated. 
ATHLONE  Harvey,  Theophilus,  Dublin  Street 

Byrne,  James,  Barrack  Square 
Good,  John,  Bridge  Street 


Hill,  John,  Dublin  Street 
Prosser,  Simon,  Dublin  Street 


BANDON 

Coppinger,  Francis,  Gallows- Hill 
Jenkins,     William,    North     Main 
Street 

BELFAST 

Bell,  James,  95  North  Street 
Cochran  &  Shaw,  4  Bridge  Street 
Coleman,  James,  88  North  Street 
Johnston,  Thomas,  41  Anne  Street 
Lawler,  J.,  Bridge-end 
Moore,  James,  68  High  Street 
Neil,  Robert,  25  High  Street 

CARLOW 

Dyer,  Henry,  Tullow  Street 
Foster,  Joseph,  Tullow  Street 

CLONMEL 

Brodrick,  William,  Dublin  Street 
Doherty,  James,  Dublin  Street 


COLERAIN 

Caldwell,  James,  Waterside 
Huston,  Samuel,  Bridge  Street 
Mathers,  Adam,  Church  Street 
M'Kown,  J.,  New  Row 

CORK 

Bagley,  Richard,  13  Grand  Parade 
Bagley,  Richard,  junr.,  12  Grand 

Parade 

Bagley,  William,  Nile  Street 
Byrom,  William,  2  Patrick  Street 
Fuller,  Richard,  21  Patrick  Street 
Hawkesworth,      Edward,      Grand 

Parade 

Haynes,  Samuel,  Grand  Parade 
Mangan,  James,  Patrick  Street 
Montjoy,  John,  Bridge  Street 
Montjoy,   Thomas,    i    Batchelor's 

Quay 
Murphy,  John,  8  Patrick  Street 


410 


APPENDIX 


O'Shaughnessy,     Mark     Stephen, 

Grand  Parade 

Ross,  Charles,  Warren's  Quay 
Ross,  William,  South  Mail 
Statesbury,    George,    North   Main 

Street 
Thornhill,  Walter,  Broad  Lane 

DROGHEDA 

Adams,  Charles,  1 1 1  West  Street 
Atkinson,  Samuel,  2  West  Street 
Glover,  Thomas,  Peter  Street 
North,      Thomas,      i      Lawrence 
Street 

DUBLIN 

Bigger,  Gilbert  (1783) 
Bull,  Isaac  (1767) 
Martin,  Samuel  (1790) 
Meakin,  William  (1697) 
Read,  Thomas  (1765) 
Simerell,  Thomas  (1683) 
Teare,  John  (1699) 
Wesoncraft,  Joseph  (1692) 
Wittam,  John  (1685) 
Verney,  Moses  (1743) 

Allen,  Richard,  40  Capel  Street 
Barrington,   Isaac,  20  Westmore- 
land Street 

Beith,  Robert,  16  George's   Quay 
Blundell,     Thomas,     142     Abbey 

Street 
Bradshaw,      Robert,      19     Henry 

Street 
Buchonnon,  Thomas,   3[    College 

Green 

Bulloch,  William,  8  Capel  Street 
Burke,  James,  37  Stephen  Street 
Carty,  William,  33  Great  George 

Street 
Chancelor,  John,  35  Lower  Sack- 

ville  Street 

Clarke,  William,  i  Ellis  Quay 
Connor,  John,  153  Capel  Street 
Craig,  Richard,  48  Thomas  Street 
Crosthwaite,  John,  1795 


Dalrymple,     John,     42     Aungier 

Street 

Farley,  Thomas,  82  Grafton  Street 
Fry,  Samuel,  8  Trinity  Place 
Garty,  George,  30  William  Street 
Gaskin,  John,  22  College  Green 
Gordon    &    Fletcher,     77     Dame 

Street 

Hanlon,  W.,  93  Dame  Street 
Hartstone,      Henry,     10     Mercer 

Street 

Heney,  Pat,  65  Capel  Street 
Hodges,    Frederick,    27     Grafton 

Street 
Holmes,  Christopher,   18  Ormond 

Quay 
Hughes,   Patrick,  75  North   King 

Street 
Johnson,     J.    F.,     19     Parliament 

Street 

Johnson,  F.  T.,  8  Parliament  Street 
Kennedy,  Patrick,  22  Arran  Quay 
Kennedy,  Roger,  54  Mary  Street 
Kisler,  Anthony,  34  Great  George 

Street 
L'Estrange,    Anthony,    81     Dame 

Street 
M 'Master,    Maxwell,   97    Grafton 

Street 

May,  John,  29  Grafton  Street 
Morgan,     William,     105     Grafton 

Street 
Osborne   &   Molyneux,  2   Grafton 

Street 

Peter  £  Co.,  109  Grafton  Street 
Pilkington,    Thomas,     30     Upper 

Sackville  Street 

Rorke,  Walter,    20   Lower    Sack- 
ville Street 

Scott  £  Son,  41  Grafton  Street 
Seed,  Richard,  20  Bride  Street 
Sharpe,  Christopher,  57  Exchequer 

Street 

Sinclair,  William,  164  Capel  Street 
Smith,  Edward,  54  Jervis  Street 
Vizer,Barnaby,  26  Upper  Exchange 

Street 


APPENDIX 


411 


Walsh,  James,  33  Capel  Street 
Warner  &  Hinds,  9  College  Green 


Hamilton,   William,    Ferry    Quay 
Street 


Waugh,  James  £  Son,  24  Lower      Hutchinson,  George,  Water  Side 


James  Street 

DUNDALK 

M'Cormack,      Andrew,      Middle- 
Ward 
Townley,  Edward,  Middle- Ward 

GALWAY 

Burdge,  Nicholas,  Shop  Street 
Clinch,  James,  High  Street 
Robinson,  Andrew,  High  Street 
Verdon,  Charles,  High  Street 

KILKENNY 

Colles,  Nicholas,  High  Street 
Doyle,  Edmund,  King  Street 
Reily,  Frederick,  High  Street 


Kirwan,  Matthew,  Artillery  Lane 
M'Colgan,  John,  Ferry  Quay  Street 
Macky,  George,  Bishop  Street 

NEW  Ross 

Lynch,  Timothy,  South  Street 
Whitney,  Andrew,  South  Street 

NEWRY 

Aickin,  Greaves,  Water  Street 
Blackham,  George,  Hill  Street 

SLIGO 

Lattimer,  Joshua,  Thomas  Street 
M'Dowall,  James,  Castle  Street 
Molyneaux,  William,  Market  Street 


KINSALE  STRABANE 

Browne,      John,      Lower     Fisher      Bell,  Dawson,  Main  Street 
Street  Cook,  John,  Castle  Street 

M 'Cardie,  James,  Main  Street 
LIMERICK 

Baynham, ,  22  Patrick  Street 

Glover,  William,  1 1  Rutland  Street 

Goggin,  Richard,  28  Patrick  Street      Dillon,  Jonathan,  Mall 

O'Hogan,   Lawrence,    10    Francis      Glanville,  David,  Quay 

Street 
O'Shaughnessy,  Robert,  17  George 

Street 
Purcell,  John,  21  Patrick  Street 


WATERFORD 


Maddock,  Patrick,  Barren  Strand 

Street 

Murphy,  Patrick,  Quay 
Shallow,  Philip,  Patrick  Quay 


LlSBURN 

Dixon,  Charles,  Bow  Lane 
Parsons,  Robert,  Bridge  Street 
Wiley,  Alexander,  Bow  Lane 

LONDONDERRY 

Colhoun,  James  &  Son,  Ship  Quay 
Street 


WEXFORD 

Hatchells,  Nicholas,  Main  Street 
Higginbotham,       Joseph,       Main 
Street 

YOUGHAL 
Dease,  John,  South  Main  Street 


Colhoun,  James,  junr.,  Ferry  Quay      Sangster,     James,     North     Main 


Street 


Street 


INDEX 


ABERCROMBIE,  James,  Aberdeen,  I 
Aberdeen,     Common    Clocks     of    the 

Burgh  of,  1-9 
Abernethy,  Scott,  Leith,  9 
Adair,  James,  Stranraer,  9 

Stair,  Stranraer,  9 
Adam,  John,  Paisley,  9 

John,  Alloa,  9 

John,  Lanark,  9 

Joseph,  Glasgow,  9 
Adamson,  Charles,  Montrose,  9 

John,  Cupar-Fife,  9 

,  Anstruther,  9 

,  Kilmarnock,  9 

Aitchison,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  9 

John,  Edinburgh,  9 

Robert,  Edinburgh,  10,  II,  106,  223, 
231,  258,  262,  274,  310,  343,  345» 
347,  348,  386 

William,  Edinburgh,  1 1 
Aiken    or   Aitken,  David,   sen.,  Carn- 
wath,  II 

or  Aitken,  David,  jun.,  Carnwath,  II 
Aitken,  Alexander,  Glasgow,  II 

George,  Edinburgh,  n,  12,  39,  no, 
262,  370 

James,  Glasgow,  12 

James,  Markinch,  12 

John,  Edinburgh,  12,  329 

John,  Dairy,  12 

Peter,  Glasgow,  12 

Robert,  Galashiels,  13 

William,  Haddington,  13 
Alcorne,  James,  Edinburgh,  13 

Richard,  Edinburgh,  13,  15,  230,  376 
Alexander,  Alexander,  Elgin,  13 

David,  C.,  Kilmarnock,  14 

George,  Leith,  14 

George,  Turriff,  1 3 

James,  Elgin,  14 
413 


Alexander,  James, KincardineO'Neil,  14 

James,  Turriff,  13 

John,  Edinburgh,  14,  57,  61,  270 

John,  Edinburgh,  14 

Mary,  Turriff,  14 

Robert,  Bathgate,  16,  225 

Robert,  Edinburgh,  14,  67,  88,  230, 
247 

Robert,  Leith,  15,  16 

Robert,  Wigton,  16 

William  P.,  Balfron,  16 

William,  Glasgow,  16 

William,  Glasgow,  16 

W.  A.,  Glasgow,  1 6 
Alison,  John,  Montrose,  16 

John,  Leith,  16 
Alisone,  James,  Cupar  and  Edinburgh, 

16,  17,  127,  240,  243,  351 
Allan,  James,  Kilmarnock,  17 

James,  Aberdeen,  17 

James,  Aberdeen,  17 

James,  Kilmarnock,  17 

John,  Edinburgh,  17 

William,  Aberdeen,  17 

William,  Aberdeen,  17 

William,  Kilwinning,  17 
Alston,  John,  Leith,  17 

John,  Edinburgh,  17 

John,  Edinburgh,  17 
Ancrum,  Thomas,  Edinburgh,  18 
Anderson,  Andrew,  Comrie,  1 8 

Charles,  Aberdeen,  18 

George,  Aberdeen,  18 

George,  St  Andrews,  18 

Henry,  Tulliallan,  18 

Hercules,  Bervie,  18 

John,  Dunse,  18 

William,  St  Andrews,  18 
Andersone,  David,  Aberdeen,  4,  18 
Andrew,  Alexander,  Portsoy,  18 


414 


INDEX 


Andrew,  William,  Huntly,  18 

William,  Perth,  18 
Angus,  George,  Aberdeen,  18,  19 
Arbuckle,  Joseph,  Paisley,  19 
Archdeacon,  Thomas,  Greenock,  19 

Argo, ,  Peterhead,  19,  141 

Argyle,  Duke  of,  Peeblesshire,  19,  20 
Armour,  John,  Kilmaurs,  20 
Arnot,  Thomas,  Edinburgh,  20 
Ashenheim,  Jacob,  Edinburgh,  20 
Auld,  William,  Edinburgh,  20-27,  89, 

196,  232 

Austen,  John,  Dundee,  27 
Ayr  or  Eyr,  Benjamin,  Edinburgh,  28 

BAIN,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  26,  28-36, 
49,  72 

George,  Brechin,  36 

John,  Stirling,  36 
Baird,  Walter,  Glasgow,  37 
Bairnsfather,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  37 
Ballantine,  William,  Edinburgh,  37 
Ballantyne,  James,  Edinburgh,  37 

,  Paisley,  37 

William,  Edinburgh,  37 
Balsillie,  Andrew,  Cupar-Fife,  37 
Banff,  Kirk  Clock  of  the  Burgh  of,  37, 

38 

Bannerman,  Gilbert,  Banff,  39 
Barclay,  David,  Montrose,  39 

Hugh,  Edinburgh,   39,  40,  95,  109, 
no,  341 

Peter,  Lochwinnoch,  40 

Thomis,  Montrose,  40 
Barr,   Fidele  and  Thomas,  Edinburgh, 
40 

Mark,  Lanark,  80 

Thomas,  Lanark,  40 

William,  Hamilton,  40,  41 
Barnett,  John,  Edinburgh,  41 
Barrie,  Andrew,  Edinburgh,  41 
Barren,  John,  Aberdeen,  41 

John  &  Son,  Aberdeen,  41 
Barron  &  Grey,  Aberdeen,  41 
Batchelor,  William,  Dundee,  41 
Baxter,  John,  Perth,  41 

John,  Dunkeld,  41 

John,  Edinburgh,  41 
Bayne  or  Bane,  John,  Stirling,  41 
Begg,  John,  Glasgow,  41,  42 

John,  Edinburgh,  42,  43 


Beggs,  Thomas,  Glasgow,  43 

Bell,  Alexander.  St  Andrews,  43,  44.  45 

Alexander,  Glasgow,  45 

Andrew,  Haddington,  45 

David,  Stirling,  45 

Henry,  Edinburgh,  45 

James,  Edinburgh,  45 

.'ames,  Cambusnethan,  45 

John,  Jedburgh,  45 

Matthew,  Edinburgh,  45 

William,  Cambusnethan,  45 

William,  Wick,  45 

,  Camnethan,  45 

Benson,  Duncan,  Glasgow,  45 
Berry,  James,  Aberdeen,  45 

James,  Stonehaven,  46 

William,  Edinburgh,  46 
Beveridge,  George  Kettle,  Fife,  46 

Robert,  Kirkcaldy,  46 

Robert,  Newburgh,  46 
Binny   or    Binnie,    Daniel,   Edinburgh, 
12,46,47,  48,  108,  iio,  155,165, 
172,  190,  193,  232,  283,  288 
Binny  &  Gordon,  Edinburgh,  48 
Bishop,  James,  Musselburgh,  48 

James,  Edinburgh,  48 
Bisset,  David,  Perth,  48 

William,  Perth,  48 

William,  Dundee,  48 
Black,  Andrew,  Leslie,  48 

Andrew,  Alloa,  48 

Andrew,  Colinsburgh,  48 

Andrew,  Glasgow,  48 

David,  Colinsburgh,  48 

James,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  48 

James,  Kirkcaldy,  48 

John,  Aberdeen,  48 

John,  Edinburgh,  48 

Thomas,  Dumfries,  48 
Blackie,  George,  Musselburgh,  48,  49 

John,  Edinburgh,  49 

J.  R.,  Leith,  49 
Blackwood,  Thomas,  Perth,  49 
Blaikie,  William,  Edinburgh,  49 
Blair,  Andrew,  Edinburgh,  49 

James,  Kilwinning,  50 

Thomas,  Perth,  50 
Bonnar,  Mrs,  Edinburgh,  50 

Robert,  Dunfermline,  50 
Bookless,  Peter,  Edinburgh,  50 
Booth,  G.  &  Son,  Aberdeen,  50 


INDEX 


415 


Booth,  James,  Auchinblae,  50 

John,  Aberdeen,  50 
Boverick,  Sobieski,  Edinburgh,  50 
Bowdingis,  Adrian,  Edinburgh,  50 
Bower,  John,  Kirreymuir,  50 
Bowers,  Andrew,  Cupar-Fife,  50 
Bowie,  James,  Kirkcaldy,  50 

John,  Stirling,  50 

William,  Edinburgh,  50 

,  Kirkcaldy,  51 

Boyd,  James,  Cupar-Fife,  5 1 
Brackenridge,  Alexander,  Kilmarnock, 

Si 

James,  Kilmaurs,  51 
Brand    Alexander,  Edinburgh,  39,  47, 
51.  52,  53,  84,  109,  1 10,  122,  143, 
286,  287,  318 
James,  Edinburgh,  53 
Brand,  John,  Dumfries,  53 
Brander,  James,  Keith,  53 
Breakeiirig,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  53, 

55,  390 

James,  Edinburgh,  54,  169,  318 
John,  Edinburgh,  54,  55 
Robert,  Edinburgh,  55,  56 
Robin,  Edinburgh,  56 
Breckenridge,  Alexander,  Kilmarnock, 

56 

A.  &  Son,  Kilmarnock,  57 

William,  Kilmarnock,  57 
Bremner,  William,  Kirkwall,  57 
Bridges,  Thomas,  Edinburgh,  57 
Briggs,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  57 
Brotherston  &  Mackay,  Dalkeith,  57 
Brown,  Alexander,  Glasgow,  57 

Alexander,  Coatbridge,  57 

Alexander  &  Co.,  Glasgow,  57 

Andrew,  Edinburgh,  13,  18,  51,  57, 
58,  59,  61,  65,  122,  166,  167,  180, 
192,  209,  246,  247,  297,  322. 

Charles,  Stranraer,  60 

Charles,  Edinburgh,  60 

Daniel,  Mauchline,  60 

Daniel,  Glasgow,  60 

David,  Edinburgh,  60 

George  B.,  Leith,  60 

George,  Edinburgh,  60 

George,  Linlithgow,  60 

George,  Airdrie,  60 

George,  Glasgow,  60 

George,  Arbroath,  60 


Brown,  James,  Elgin,  60 

James,  Aberdeen,  60,  137,  138,  139 

Mrs  J.,  Edinburgh,  60 

John,  Edinburgh,  6l,  95 

John,  Edinburgh,  39,  53,  61,  62,  63, 
109,  1 10,  287,  291,  330,  342,  370 

John,  Edinburgh,  63,  64,  66 

John,  Edinburgh,  64 

John,  Port  Glasgow,  64 

John,  Irvine,  64 

John,  Elgin,  64 

John,  St  Andrews,  64 

John,  Elgin,  64 

Joseph,  Kirkcaldy,  64 

Malcolm,  Edinburgh,  64 

Murdoch,  Edinburgh,  6$ 

Peter,  Ayr,  65 

Robert,  Edinburgh,  65 

Samuel,  Edinburgh,  64,  65,  66,  76, 
155,  194,  232,  262,  280,  283,  305, 
3io,  317,  343,  345,  376,  382,  389 

Thomas,  Auchtermuchty,  66 

Thomas,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  66 

William,  Edinburgh,  15 

William,  Dumfries,  66 

William,  Edinburgh,  66 

,  Elgin,  66 

&  Chalmers,  Leith,  66 

&  Skelton,  Edinburgh,  66,  258 
Brow  nice,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  67 
— ,  William,  Hamilton,  67,  142 
Brownlie,   Alexander,    Edinburgh,   39, 

53,  61,  67,  68,  374 
Brownlie,  Archibald,  Strathaven,  68 

James,  Glasgow,  68 
Bruce,  James,  Edinburgh,  68 

David,  Aberdeen,  2,  68 

Robert,  Edinburgh,  68 

William,  Edinburgh,  68 

William,  Edinburgh,  68 
Brunton,  Patrick,  Dalkeith,  68 

Walter,  Edinburgh,  68,  94 
Bryden,  Thomas,  Johnshaven,  68 
Bryson,  Charles,  Glasgow,  68 

Alexander,   Edinburgh,    70,    71,    72, 

73,74 

John,  Dalkeith,  68 
Robert,  Edinburgh,  69,  70,  113,  190, 

254,  367,  393 

Robert  &  Sons,  Edinburgh,  70 
Buchan,  Alexander,  Perth,  74 


416 


INDEX 


Buchan,  Archibald,  Perth,  74 
Buchanan,  Andrew,  Greenock,  74 

Robert,  jun.,  Glasgow,  74 
Buglas,  C.,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  74 

Burbidge, ,  Edinburgh,  74 

Burges,  John,  Stirling,  74 

Burn,  David,  Bathgate,  74 

Burnet,  John,  Tarves,  74 

Burns,  David,  Mid-Calder,  74 

Burns,  Robert,  Melrose,  74 

Burrells,  Johne  &  Harie,  Dunfermline, 

128 

Burton,  William,  Dunse,  74 
Butler,  Robert,  Greenock,  74 

CAITHNESS,  David,  Dundee,  74 
Calder,  John,  Glasgow,  75 
John,  jun.,  Glasgow,  75 
John,  Edinburgh,  75,  148 
Caldwell,  John,  Glasgow,  75 

William,  Glasgow,  75 
Callam,  Charles,  Edinburgh,  75 
Callan,  Archibald,  Douglas,  75 
Callender,  James,  Edinburgh,  75 
Cameron,  Alexander,  Selkirk,  75 
Alexander,  Dundee,  75 
Hugh,  Johnshaven,  76 
James,  Stewarton,  76 
James,  Edinburgh,  76 
James,  Selkirk,  76 
James,  Dundee,  76 
John,  Perth,  76 
John,  Kilmarnock,  76 
John,  Barrhead,  76 
John,  Aberfeldie,  76 
Campbell,  Archibald,  Gourock,  76 
Charles,  Bo'ness,  76 
Hugh,  Edinburgh,  77 
James,  Edinburgh,  77 
James,  Johnstone,  77 
John,  Edinburgh,  77-78 
John,  Glasgow,  78 
Marshall,  Colmonell,  78 
Robert,  Edinburgh,  78 
William,  Stirling,  78 
Cant,  James,  Perth,  78 
Carmichael,  James,  Edinburgh,  78 
John,  Greenock,  78 
Johne,  Edinburgh,  243,  244 
Carnegie,  — — ,  Arbroath,  78 

Robert  and  two  Bros.,  Kineff,  78 


Carnegie,  Robert,  Auchinblae,  78 
Carruthers,  David,  Ecclefechan,  78 

George,  Langholm,  79 
Cassels,  James,  Lanark,  79 

Cathro, ,  Dundee,  79 

Chalmers,  Alex.  Thomson,  Aberdeen,  79 
David,  Edinburgh,  79 
John,  Edinburgh,  55,  334 
Chapman,  Francis,  Glasgow,  79 

Francis,  Poliokshaws,  79 
Charlton,  John,  Edinburgh,  79 
Charras,  Charles,  Glasgow,  79 
Charters,  Deckford,  Edinburgh,  79 

William,  Dumfries,  79 
Chisholm,  Adam,  Dumfries,  79 
Christie,  Gabriel,  Edinburgh,  79 
James,  Perth,  80 
James,  Perth,  80 

Clapperton,  Gideon,  Edinburgh,  80 
Clark,    Andrew,    Edinburgh,    80,    222, 

308 

Charles,  Edinburgh,  80,  189 
George,  Aberdeen,  80 
James,    Edinburgh,    60,  80,    81,  82, 

181,  221,  263,  317,  381,  388 
James,  Kirkcaldy,  82 
John,  Greenock,  82 
Joseph,  Kirkcaldy,  82 
Robert,  Kilmarnock,  82 
Robert,  Newburgh-Fife,  82 
Clarke,  John,  Greenock,  82 

William,  Greenock,  82 
Cleland,  John,  Edinburgh,  76,  82,  83, 

190,  226,  388 

&  Mollison,  Edinburgh,  83 
Mrs,  Edinburgh,  83,  84 
Clidsdale  or  Clydsdale,  Robert,  Edin- 
burgh, 11,  47,  84,  85,  99,  108,  121, 
143,  148,  170,  171,  190,  227,  266, 
274,  283,  342,  345,  348,  374,  382, 
395,  398,  399 
Hugh,  Edinburgh,  85 
Coats,  Robert,  Hamilton,  85 
Cochrane,  Thomas,  Edinburgh,  85 
Thomas,  Glasgow,  85 
William,  Paisley,  85 
Cockburn,  Adam,  Haddington,  86 
Andrew      Thompson,      Berwick-on- 
Tweed,  86 

William,  Haddington,  86 
Coghill,  James,  Glasgow,  86 


INDEX 


417 


Coleman,  Thomas,  Leith,  86 
Collison,  Alexander,  Stonehaven,  86 
Common,  James,  sen.,  Coldstream,  86 

James,  jun.,  Coldstream,  86 
Conquer,  Patrick,  Perth,  86 
Conqueror,   Peter,   Berwick-on-Tweed , 

86 
Constable,  Alexander,  Dundee,  86 

George,  Cupar-Fife,  86 

William,  Dundee,  86 

William,  Dundee,  86 
Cook,  James,  Strichen,  86 

James,  Dumfries,  86 

William,  Aberdeen,  6,  86 
Cooper,  William,  Hamilton,  87 

Thomas,  Hamilton,  87 
Corbet,  Robert,  Glasgow,  87 
Cordingley,  Thomas,  Wick,  87 
Corrie,  Philip,  Langholm,  87 
Coulter,  William,  Saltcoats,  87 
Couper,  Andrew,  Edinburgh,  87 
Cousteill,  John,  Edinburgh,  87,  88,  327 
Coutts,  James,  Perth,  88 
Cowan,  Hugh,  Thurso,  88 

James,  Edinburgh,  9,  10,  12,  22,  28, 
60,  63,  66,  88,  89,  94,  99,  M3  H7, 
194,  203,  283,  310,  3",  315,  345, 
370 

William,  Glasgow,  89 

William,  Lennoxtown,  90 
Craig,  David,  Pathhead,  90,  226 

James,  Glasgow,  90 

Peter,  Glasgow,  90 

Robert,  Kilmarnock,  90 

Robert,  Kilmaurs,  90 
Craw,  James,  Forfar,  90 
Crawford,  Archibald,  Largs,  91 

George,  Falkirk,  91 

James,  Johnstone,  91 

Robert,  Dunse,  91 

William,  Glasgow,  91 

William,  Markinch,  91 
Cree,  John,  Glasgow,  91 
Creighton,  David,  Greenock,  91 
Creith,  Robert,  Leith,  91,  134,  135 
Creych,   Robert,   Edinburgh,  91,  134, 

135 

Crichton,  David,  Glasgow,  91 

George,  Mid-Calder,  91 

John,  Leith,  91 
Crighton,  John,  Dundee,  91 


Crighton,  Walter,  Haddington,  91 
Croll,  Colin,  Edinburgh,  91,  92 

Colin,  Perth,  92 

William,  Dundee,  92 
Crone,  William,  Aberdeen,  92 
Crooks  &  Burn,  Edinburgh,  92,  93 
Cross  and  Carruthers,  Edinburgh,  93 
Cross  or  Corse,  James,  Perth,  93 
Crouch,  William,  Edinburgh,  93 
Cruickshanks,  George,  Elgin,  93 
Crukshanks,  Johne,  Aberdeen.  I,  93 
Gumming,  Alexander,  Edinburgh  and 
London,  93 

Alexander,  Inveraray,  93 

Charles,  Edinburgh,  94 

James,  Edinburgh,  94 

John,  Edinburgh,  94 
Cunningham,  James,  Haddington,  94 

William,  Sanquhar,  94 

W.  and  A.,  Edinburgh,  94 
Currer,  John,  Peebles,  94 

Robert,  Peebles,  94 
Currie,  Thomas,  Edinburgh,  94 
Cuthbert,  James,  Perth,  94 
Cuthbert,  John,  Perth,  95 

DALGARNO,  Alexander,  Aberdeen,  95 
Dalgleish,  John,  Edinburgh,  66,  84,  85, 
95.  96,  97,  98,  121,  142,  165,  208, 
254,  258,  385,  386 

Laurence,  Edinburgh,  98,  99,  in, 
169,  274,  280,  292,  343,  348,  389, 
391,  395,  400 

Robert,  Falkirk,  99 

and  Dickie,  Edinburgh,  99 
Dall,  Thomas,  Dundee,  100 
Dallas,  Joseph,  Perth,  100 

Alexander,  Inverness,  100 
Dallaway  &  Son,  Edinburgh,  100,  101, 

102,  103,  104,  105,  106 
Dalrymple,  William,  Edinburgh,  106 
Dalzeil,  James,  Fraserburgh,  106 

Danks, ,  Edinburgh,  106 

Darling,  Robert,  Edinburgh,  106 

Robert,  Haddington,  106 

Robert,  Lauder,  106 
Davidson,  Andrew,  Stranraer,  106 

,  Dunse,  106 

Charles,  Forfar,  107 

James,  Dunbar,  107 

James,  Old  Deer,  107 

2  D 


418 


INDEX 


Davidson,  James,  Girvan,  107 

James,  Dunse,  107 

John,  Wick,  26 

John,  Glasgow,  107 

Nean,  Dunse,  107 

Robert,  Lerwick,  107 
Davie,  Christopher,  Linlithgow,  107 

John,  Linlithgow,  107,  225 
Dawson,  David,  Tarbolton,  107 

Matthew,  Haddington,  107 
Dean,  Thomas,  Glasgow,  107 
Deans,  John,  Haddington,  107 
Develin,  Patrick,  Greenock,  108 
Deverley,  Hugh,  Perth,  107 
Dewar,  David,  Doune,  108 
Dick,  James,  Ayr,  108 

Robert,  Dailly,  108 

William,  Glasgow,  108 
Dickie,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  46,  47, 
108,  109,  186,  208,  374 

Andrew,  Edinburgh,  79,84,  109,  no, 
121,   128,  129,   130,  190,  191,  283, 

375 

Andrew,  Dunfermline,  in 

Andrew,  Stirling,  in 

William,  Dunfermline,  ill 
Dickman,  John,  Leith,  in 

John,  Edinburgh,  III 
Dickson,  Charles,  Dundee,  ill 

John,  Edinburgh,  in 
Dicky,  Sir  Alexander,  Glasgow,  161 
Dixon,  Thomas,  Haddington,  in 
Dobbie,  Andrew,  Glasgow,  III 

George,  Falkirk,  ill 

John,  Prestonpans,  112 

John,  Glasgow,  112 

John,  Edinburgh,  112 

Thomas,  Glasgow,  112 

William,  Falkirk,  112 

William,  Falkirk,  112,  113 
Dods,  Andrew,  Selkirk,  113 
Doig,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  113 
Doig,  Alexander,  Mussel  burgh,  113 

William,  Polmont,  113 
Don,  George,  Glasgow,  113 
Donald,  James,  Edinburgh,  113 

William,  Rhynie,  113 
Donaldson,  Andrew,  Airdrie,  113 

David,  Edinburgh,  113 

James,  Meigle,  113 

John,  Glasgow,  113 


Dougal,  Alexander,  Strathaven,  113 

Alexander,  Glasgow,  113 

George,  Edinburgh,  113 

John,  Kippen,  113 

,  Glasgow,  113 

Douglas,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  113 

George,  Bonhill,  114 

George,  Holytown,  114 

James,  Dundee,  114 

James,  Edinburgh,  114 

James,  Glasgow,  114 

John,  Dumbarton,  114 

Walter,  Dollar,  114 

Walter,  Douglas,  114 

Walter,  Galston,  114 

&  Son,  Greenock,  114 
Douglass,  Alexander,  Bowmore,  1 14 
Dow,  Andrew,  Glasgow,  114 

John,  Glasgow,  114 
Downie,  David,  Edinburgh,  114 

John,  Edinburgh,  114 

William,  Edinburgh,  10,  48,  99,  114, 

115,  116,  342,  345,  347,  37i 
Dreney,  Samuel,  Girvan,  117 
Dresher  &  Robold,  Paisley,  117 
Drumrnond,  Francis,  Alloa,  117 

John,  Brechin,  117 

John,  Edinburgh,  117 
Drysdale,  James,  Edinburgh,  117 

Thomas,  Edinburgh  and  Quebec,  12 1 

Walter  Scott,  Edinburgh,  117,   118, 
119 

William,  Dunbar,  12 1,  349 

William,   Edinburgh,  118,  119,  120, 
121,  169,  171,  388 

William,     Edinburgh     and      Phila- 
delphia, 121 

William,  Falkland,  121 
Duff,  Daniel,  Paisley,  121 

David,  Edinburgh,  121 

James,  Burntisland,  121 

James,   Edinburgh,  28,    64,   68,  82, 
115,  121,  143,  155,  210,  262,  293, 

334,  345 
Dunbar,  James,  Edinburgh,  122 

James,  Perth,  122 
Duncan,  Alexander,  Elgin,  122,  139 

Andrew,  Aberdeen,  122 

Andrew,  Edinburgh,  122 

D ,  Cupar-Fife,  122 

George,  Banff,  122 


INDEX 


419 


Duncan,  James,  Old  Meldrum,  122 
Thomas,  Edinburgh,  122 
— ,  Dalbeattie,  122 
— ,  Glasgow,  122 
Dun,  William,  Glasgow,  122 
Dundee,  Saint  Mary's  Clock,  122,  123, 

124,  125,  126,  127 
Dunfermline,  The  Common  Clocks  of, 

127,  128,  129,  130,  131,  132 
Dunn,  Malcolm,  Edinburgh,  132 

Thomas,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  132 
Durham,  William,  Dunbar,  132 
William,  Edinburgh,  132 
William,  Thurso,  132 
Durward,  Joseph,  Edinburgh,  132,  133, 
170,  317 

EADIE,  Andrew,  Perth,  133 
Earns,  James,  Edinburgh,  133 
Edinburgh,    The    Common    Clock    of 
the  burgh  of,  133,  134,  135,  136, 
137 
Edwards,  John,  Alloa,  137 

John,  Edinburgh,  137 
Eldrick,  Hay,  Kirkwall,  139 

James,  Kirkwall,  139 
Elgin,   The    Common    Clocks  of    the 

burgh  of,  137,  138,  139 
Elleis,  David,  Aberdeen,  3,  139 
Essex,  Joseph,  Edinburgh,  139 
Eunson,  James,  Stromness,  140 

FAIRBAIRN,  Andrew,  Edinburgh,  140 
Fairgreive,  James,  Edinburgh,  140 
Fairholm,  Robert,  Edinburgh,  140,  141 
Fairn,  James,  Edinburgh,  141 
Fairweather,  John,  Edinburgh,  141 
Falconer,  William,  Laurencekirk,  141, 

142 
Farquhar,  Andrew,  Peterhead,  142 

Andrew,  Edinburgh,  142 
Farquharson,    Alexander,    Edinburgh, 
10,  142,  I43i  155.  194,  385 

Charles,  Edinburgh,  143 

Charles,  Dundee,  143 

Robert,  Dundee,  143 

Lauchlin,  Perth,  143 
Faulds,  Allan,  Kilmarnock,  143 

James,  Kilmarnock,  143 
Fay,  James  and  John,  Glasgow,  143 
Fead,  James,  Edinburgh,  143 


Fenwick,  Peter,  jun.,  Crieff,  143 
Father  and  Son,  Crieff,  143 

Feren, ,  Dundee,  143 

Feren  &  Co.,  Dumfries,  143 

Ferenbach,  D.  and  C.,  Edinburgh,  143 

Ferguson,  Alexander,  Cupar-Fife,  144 
Alexander,  Dundee,  144 
Alexander,  Edinburgh,  143 
Archibald,  Johnstone,  144 
George,  Perth,  144 
James,  Banffshire  and    London,  65, 

U4.  145 

Montgomery,  Mauchline,  145 

William  S.,  Elgin,  145 
Ferrier,  John,  Tain,  145 
Fife,  William,  Edinburgh,  145 
Finlay,     Andrew,    Gatehouse-of-Fleet, 

145 

John,  Aberdeen,  145 

John  &  Co.,  Glasgow,  145 
Fleming,  John,  Port-Glasgow,  145 
Fletcher,  Robert  Graham,  Edinburgh, 

145 

Fletcher  &  Hunter,  Edinburgh,  146 
Flight,  Alexander,  Cupar»-Fife,  146 

Blair,  Kinross,  146 
Flockhart,  John,  Edinburgh,  146 
Foot,  Robert,  Edinburgh,  147 
Forbes,  Daniel,  Leith,  147 

Francis,  Edinburgh,  147 

William,  Kintore,  147 
Ford,  William,  Leith,  147 
Foreman,  William,  St.  Petersburgh,  148 
Forrest,  Daniel,  Edinburgh,  148 

David,  Edinburgh,  148 

James,  Edinburgh,  148 

Simon,  Lanark,  148 

William,  Edinburgh,  148 
Forrester,    Peter    &    Co.,    Edinburgh, 

148,  149,  150,  151 
Forsyth,  T.  M.,  Turriff,  151 
Foster,  Isaiah  &  Co.,  Glasgow,  151 
Fowlds,  Allan,  Kilmarnock,  151,  386 

James,  Kilmarnock,  151 
Francis,  Thomas,  Dumbarton,  151 
Frank,  Andro  and  James,  Peebles,  151 
Franklin,  Brothers,  Edinburgh,  151 
Fraser,  Hugh,  Tain,  151 

James,  Perth,  151 

John,  Aberdeen,  151 

John,  Perth,  151 

2  D  2 


420 


INDEX 


Fraser,  Nicholas,  Haddington,  151 
Freeman,  Walter,  Hawick,  151 
Frigg,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  151 
Frugard,  John,  Edinburgh,  151 
Fubister,  John,  Edinburgh,  151 
Fulton,  John,  Fenwick,  151 

GALLOWAY,  Walter,  Kilbirnie,  152 

William,  Dairy,  152 
Gammack,  James,  Aberchirder,  152 
Garden,  Peter,  Longside,  152 
Gardiner,  James,  Perth,  152 

&  Kynock,  Edinburgh,  152 

Patrick,  Edinburgh,  152 

Patrick,  Perth,  93,  133,  152 

Peter,  Perth,  I $2 

W.  &  J.,  Perth,  152 
Gardner,  Peter,  Perth,  1 52 
Garrick,  Fergus,  Stranraer,  152 

John,  Stranraer,  152 
Gartly,  John,  Aberdeen,  152 
Garvan  &  Wright,  Irvine,  153 
Geddes,  Charles,  Halifax,  Canada,  154 

James,  Edinburgh,  46,  88,  115,  153, 

154.  273,  274.  374 
George  William,  Perth,  154 
Gerrard,  William,  Turriff,  154 
Gibb,  James,  Glasgow,  154 

James,  Stirling,  154 

William,  Whithorn,  154 
Gibson,  Adam,  Dunse,  154 

Henry,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  1 54 

James,  Glasgow,  154,  i$5 

John,  Beith,  156 

John,  Edinburgh,  64,  155,  210,  345, 
386 

John,  jun.,  Edinburgh,  155,  156 

John,  Glasgow,  156 

John,  Glasgow,  156 

John,  Kelso,  156 

John,  Saltcoats,  156 

Robert,  Dumfries,  156 
— ,  Ayr,  156 

Thomas,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  156 

&  Clelland,  Edinburgh,  157 
Giffen,    Robert  &  Son,  Campbeltown, 

157 
Gifford,  The  Town  Clock  of,  157,  158, 

159 

Gilchrist,  John,  Kilsyth,  159 
Gilfillan,  James,  Lesmahagow,  159 


Gilgour,  Thomas,  Elgin,  159 
Gill,  David,  Aberdeen,  159 

Peter  &  Son,  Aberdeen,  159 
Gillan,  John,  Inverury,  159 
Gillies,  Robert,  Beith,  159 

William,  St  Ninians,  159 
Gilmot,  Henry,  Edinburgh,  159 
Gin,  William,  Perth,  1 60 
Gladstone,  John,  Biggar,  160 
Glasgow,   The   Town   Clocks  of,    160, 

161,  162 
Glass,  James,  Alexandria,  162 

John,  Edinburgh,  162 
Colder,  John,  Alloa,  163 
Goodal,  Adam,  Edinburgh,  163 
Goodfellow,  John,  Stirling,  163 
Goodoune,  John,  Edinburgh,  163 
Gordon,  Adam,  Edinburgh,  163 

Alexander,  Dundee,  163 

George,  Perth,  163 

Hugh,  Aberdeen,  164 

James,  Aberdeen,  164 

James,  Beith,  165 

James,  Edinburgh,  165 

James,  Perth,  165 

John,  Edinburgh,  165 

Patrick,  Edinburgh,  61,  67,  94,  109, 
140,  141,  153,  165,  166,  168,  287, 

37i,  375,  396 

Robert,  Edinburgh,  166 

Thomas,  Edinburgh,  20,  39,  68,  133, 
140,  166,  204,  258,  284,  376 

Thomas,  Edinburgh  and  New  York, 
168 

William,  Duff  town,  169 

William,  Edinburgh,  169 

William,  Lauder,  168,  169 
Gordone,  Thomas,  Aberdeen,  8,  169 
Gordoune,  John,  Edinburgh,  169 
Gourlay,  James,  Newton-Stewart,  169 
Gow,  James,  Dunblane,  169 

William,  Edinburgh,  169 
Gowans,  James,  East  Linton,  169 
Graham,  Charles,  Edinburgh,  169 

J.,  Kirkintilloch,  169 

James,  Girvan,  170 

James,  Glasgow,  170 

James,  Whitburn,  170 

John,  Airdrie,  170 

John,  Langholm,  170 

John,  Moffat,  170 


INDEX 


421 


Graham,  Joseph,  Glasgow,  170 

Thomas,  Hawick,  170 
Graig,  William,  Stewartfield,  170 
Grant,  Alexander,  Newburgh,  170 

Alexander,  Stirling,  170 

George,  Edinburgh,  170 

John,  Fyvie,  170 

John,  Glasgow,  170 

John,  Glasgow,  170 

Joseph,  Helensburgh,  170 

William,  Edinburgh,  170 

William,  Edinburgh,  171 

William,  Perth,  171 
Gray,  Alexander,  Elgin,  137,  171 

,  Elgin,  171 

Henry,  Inverkeithing,  171 

James,  Edinburgh,  42,  60,  75,  172, 
173,  I74i  223,  253,  258,  280,  293, 
305,  337 

James,  Elgin,  171 

James,  Macduff,  171 

James,  jun.,  Edinburgh,  148, 174, 175 

Peter  &  Co.,  Edinburgh,  175 

Robert,  Edinburgh,  175 

Robert  &  Son,  Glasgow,  175 

William,  Huntly,  175 
Green,  Robert,  Edinburgh,  20,  77, 147, 
152,  174,  175,  176,  188,  196,  220, 
226,  259,  292,  298,  300,  369 
Greenhill,  William,  Leslie  and  London, 

I76 
Greig,  David,  Perth,  176 

David,  Stonehaven,  176 

James  Gibson,  Edinburgh,  176 

James,  Perth,  144,  176,  189,288,367 

John,  Perth,  176,  177 
Grey,  Ernest,  Aberdeen,  177 

James,  Perth,  177 
Grigor,  George,  Elgin,  177 
Grimalde,    Samuel,     Edinburgh,     177, 

178,  179,  1 80 

Grinlaw,  Alexander,  Dunse,  180 
Groom,  John,  Edinburgh,  180 
Groundwater,  Robert  P.,  Kirkwall,  180 
Guthrie,  Nicol,  Glasgow,  180 
Guvane,  Patrik,  Edinburgh,  133,  180 

HADDINGTON,  The  Common  Clock  of 

the  Burgh  of,  180,  181 
Halbert,  William,  Glasgow,  181 
Haldane,  Charles,  Edinburgh,  181 


Haldane,  James,  Edinburgh,  181 
Hall,  John,  Kirkcudbright,  181 

Thomas,   Edinburgh,    37,  181,    182, 

38o,  394 

William,  Eyemouth,  182 
Halliday,  Peter,  Wigton,  182 
Halliday,  Robert,  Kirkcudbright,  182 
Hallie,  Thomas,  Glasgow,  182 
Hamilton,  James,  Paisley,  182 

John,  Glasgow,  141,  182 
Hannay,  William,  Paisley,  183 
Hannington,   William,    Glasgow,    183, 

385 
Hardie,  James,  Aberdeen,  183 

Walter,  M.,  Edinburgh,  25,  183 
Hardy,  John,  Aberdeen,  183 
Harper,  Samuel,  Ayr,  183 
Harris,  Alexander,  Paisley,  183 

Robert,  Paisley,  183 
Harrison,  John,  Edinburgh,  183 

John  D.,  Edinburgh,  183 

Robert,  Edinburgh,  183 
Hart,  John  &  Robert,  Glasgow,  183 
Harvey,  Alexander,  Sanquhar,  183 

George,  St  Ninians,  184,  185 

William,  Stirling,  185,  186 
Haughton,  John,  New  Castleton,  186 
Hay,  Andrew,  Edinburgh,  186 

James,  Inverness,  186 

John,  Leith,  187 

Peter,  Edinburgh,  187 

Thomas,  Kelso,  187 
Hearne,  E.,  Edinburgh,  187 
Heitzman,  John,  Kirkcaldy,  187 
Hencher,  Thomas,  Musselburgh,  187 
Henderson,     Ebenezer,     Dunfermline, 
187,  188 

Francis,  Edinburgh,  188 

Francis,  Musselburgh,  188 

George,  Edinburgh,  188 

John,  Dunfermline,  188 

John,  Edinburgh,  169,  188,  189 

Robert,  Edinburgh,  189 

William,  Dundee,  189 

William,  Edinburgh,  189 
Henry,  James,  Keith,  189 
Hepburn,  John,  Perth,  189 
Herbert,  William,  Edinburgh,  189 
Heron,  Erskine,  Edinburgh,  189 

James,  Greenock,  189 

&  Son,  Greenock,  189 


422 


INDEX 


Hewit,  James,  Edinburgh,  189 
Hill,  David,  Edinburgh,  190 

George,  Bo'ness,  190 

George,  Whitburn,  190 

Thomas,  Kilbride,  190 
Hind,  George,  Edinburgh,  190 
Hinmers,  Robert,  PMinburgb,    54,   77, 

119,  174,  190,  191,  226,  319,  369 
Hislop,  Adam,  Biggar,  191 

Alexander,  Glasgow,  191 

Alexander,  Greenock,  191 

John,  Peebles,  191 
Hodge,  Charles,  Edinburgh,  191 
Hodgson,  John,  Annan,  191 

Robert  &  Son,  Annan,  191 
Hog,  Charles,  Prestonpans,  191,  192 

Thomas,  Edinburgh,  192 
Hogarth,  Thomas,  Berwick-on-Tvveed, 

192 
Hogg,  Alexander,  Haddington,  192 

James,  Gifford,  192 
Home,  Robert,  Edinburgh,  192 
Honderwood,  James,  Ayr,  192 
Hood,  George,  Colinsburgh,  192 

John,  Cupar-Eife,  192 

William,  Tarbolton,  193 
Hope,  Hugh,  Dumfries,  193 
Hopton,  A.  &  M.,  Edinburgh,  193 

James,  Edinburgh,  193,  194,  217 
Horn,  Alexander,  Eyvie,  194 
Hourston,  William,  Kirkwall,  194 
Houston,  James,  Johnstone,  194 
How,  Andrew,  Kilbarchan,  194 
Howden,   James,  sen.,  Edinburgh,  37, 
54,   77,  'H9,   147,    152,   175,  190, 
194,  195,  196,  218,  228,  266,  280, 
283,  292,  299,  300,  310 

James,  jun.,    Edinburgh,    132,    196, 
197,  198,  220,  302 

John,  Edinburgh,  198 
Howie  or  How,  Allan,  Irvine,  198 
Howieson,  George,  Edinburgh,  198 

John,  Perth,  198 
Hoy,  Thomas,  Kesso,  198 
Hudson,  William,  Edinburgh,  198,  199 
Hue,  James,  jun.,  Edinburgh,  200 
Hume,  John,  Kelso,  200 
Hunter,  Alexander,  New  Cumnock,  200 

George,  W.,  Perth,  200 
John,  Dunfermline,  200,  201 

John,  Edinburgh,  201 


Hunter,  Nathan,  Port  Glasgow,  201 

Peter,  Alloa,  201 

Peter,  Edinburgh,  201 

Peter,  Edinburgh,  201 

Robert,  Girvan,  201 

William,  Campbeltown,  201 

William,  Dunfermline,  2oi 

William,  Stirling,  201 
Husband,  D.,  Kirkcaldy,  201 
Hutchison,  George,  PMinburgh,  201 

George,  Stirling,  201 

Robert,  Douglas,  202 
Hutton,  George,  Perth,  202 

James,  Edinburgh,  202,  334,  338 

James,  Edinburgh,  202 

William,  Edinburgh,  202,  203 

IBACH,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  203 
Inglis,  Walter,  Glasgow,  203 

William,  Edinburgh,  203 
Ingram,  Richard,  Dumfries,  204 

William,  Ayr,  204 

William,  Catrine,  204 

&  Son,  Ayr,  204 
Inkster,  Henry,  Stromness,  204 
Innes,  Alexander,  Dalkeith,  204 

David,  Edinburgh,  204 

George,  Aberdeen,  204 

George,  Glasgow,  204 

William,  Glasgow^,  204 
Irvine,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  204 

Alexander,  Edinburgh,  204 

John,  Edinburgh,  204 
Ivory,  James,  Dundee,  205 

Thomas,  Dundee,  205 

JACKSON,  Allan,  Lochgilphead,  206 

James,  H.,  Perth,  206 
Jaffray,  John,  Stirling,  206 

Johne,  Glasgow,  161 

William,  Glasgow,  206 
James,  H.  N.,  Edinburgh,  206 

John,  Edinburgh,  206 
Jameson,  George,  Hamilton,  206 

James,  Stranraer,  207 
Jamieson,  James,  Newton  Stewart,  207 

John,  Ayr,  207 

Robert,  Glasgow,  207 
Jardine,  John,  Glasgow,  207 

Robert,  Bathgate,  207 
Jeeves,  Anthony,  Edinburgh,  207,  208 


INDEX 


423 


Jerdan, ,  Glasgow,  208 

Johnson,  John,  Ayr,  208 

Robert,  Linlithgow,  208 
Johnston,  David,  Edinburgh,  208 

Hugh,  Ban-head,  208 

James,  Edinburgh,  208 

James,  Portsoy,  208 

John,  Ayr,  208,  209 

John,  Edinburgh,  208 

John,  Edinburgh,  208 

John,  Linlithgow,  208 

John,  Peteihead,  208 

Matthew,  Edinburgh,  209 

Samuel,  Langholm,  209 

William,  Glasgow,  209 
Johnstone,  James,  Linlithgow,  209 
Johnstoun,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  209 

John,  Edinburgh,  209 
Johnstoune,  David,  Edinburgh,  209 
Junor,  Daniel,  Edinburgh,  209 
Just,  George,  Kirkcaldy,  209 

KAY,  David,  Edinburgh  and  Dundee, 
124,  160,  209 

John,  Aberdeen,  3,  209 
Keeller,  John,  Mussel  burgh,  209 
Keir,  Duncan,  Stirling,  209 

Peter,  Falkirk,  210 
Keith,  David,  Inverness,  210 

George,  Strathaven,  210 

Robert,  Forfar,  210 

William,  Inverness,  210 
Kelly,  Andrew,  Glasgow,  210 

Peter,  Edinburgh,  210 
Kempie,  Andrew,  Perth,  210 
Kennedy,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  210 

John,  Dalmellington,  210 

John,  Maybole,  210 

John,  jun.,  Maybole,  210 

Thomas,  Kilmarnock,  210 
Kerr,  Alexander,  Annan,  210 

Henry,  Dundee,  24,  210 

Henry,  Edinburgh,  24,  210 

Henry,  Loanhead,  210 

John,  Glasgow,  210 
Ketching,  William,  Edinburgh,  21 
Kettle,  William,  Edinburgh,  210 
Kilgour,  Patrick,  Aberdeen,  7,  210 

Patrick,  Edinburgh,  210 

William,  Glithnow,  211 
Kilpatrick,  Gilbert,  Edinburgh,  211 


King,  Alexander,  Peterhead,  21 1 
•  Benjamin,  Peterhead,  21 1 

David,  Montrose,  211 

Duncan,  Port  Glasgow,  211 

John,  Aberdeen,  211 

John,  Montrose,  2 1 1 
Kinnear,  C.  D.,  Portobello,  211 

Conrad  &  Son,  Glasgow,  21 1 

J.,  Edinburgh,  21 1 
Kinneir,  James,  Edinburgh,  212 
Kirk,  James,  Edinburgh,  212,  213,  366 

John,  Dalkeith,  213 
Kirkcudbright,  The  Common  Clock  of 

the  Burgh  of,  213,  214,  215,  216 
Kirkland,  James,  Glasgow,  216 

Richard,  Port  Glasgow,  2  16 
Kirkwood,  Alexander,  Paisley,  216 

James,  Perth,  216 

John,  Lauder,  216,  219,  220 

John,  Melrose,  216 
Knie,  Balthazar,  Edinburgh,  193,  216, 

217,  218 

Knox,    Alexander,    Berwick-on-Tweed, 
218 

James,  Paisley,  218 

Robert,  Beith,  218 

Robert,  Paisley,  218 

William,  Beith,  218 

William,  Paisley,  218 
Kullberg,   Victor,    London   and    Edin- 
burgh, 24,  218 

LAIDLAW,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  218 
Laing,  David,  Perth,  218,  219 

George,  Aberfeldy,  219,  319 

James,  Keith,  219 

William,  Fort  William,  219 
Laird,  David  W.,  Leith,  219 

James,  Kilmacolm,  219 

John  &  Andrew,  Glasgow,  219 
Lambert,  Peter,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  219 
Lamond,  J.  &  Co.,  Leith,  219 
Lauder,  The  Common  Clock  of,  219,  220 
Lauder,  James,  Prestonpans,  220 

John,  Prestonpans,  220 
Laule,  T.,  Edinburgh,  220 
Laussine,  Esaius,  Edinburgh,  220 
Law,  David,  Kilmarnock,  220 

George,  Peebles,  220 

James,  Aberdeen,  220 

James,  Castle-Douglas,  220 


424 


INDEX 


Law,  James,  Castle-Douglas,  220 
John,  Kirkcaldy,  220 
John,  Beith,  220 
John,  Edinburgh,  220 
Robert,  Castle-Douglas,  220 

,  Ringford,  215,  220 

Solomon,  Lantonside,  221 
Thomas,  Castle-Douglas,  215,  220 
William,  Kirkcudbright,  221 
William,  Linlithgow,  221 

Lawrence,  George,  Keith,  221 

Lawrie,  Archibald,  Edinburgh,  221 
Archibald,  jun.,  Edinburgh,  221 

Laws,  Michael  G.,  Berwick-on-Tweed, 

221 

Lavvson,  Christopher,  Edinburgh,  221 
Lawson  &  Millar,  Edinburgh,  201,  221, 
222 

Leadbetter,  Andrew,  Edinburgh,  222 
Leek,  Robert,  Jedburgh,  222 

Robert,  Mauchline  Tower,  222 

William,  Jedburgh,  222 
Leckie,  David,  Annan,  222 

Lees, ,  Edinburgh,  222,  223 

Legget,  John,  Dunse,  223 
Leighton,  Walter,  Montrose,  223 
Leitch,    Daniel,    Kincardine-on-Forlh, 

223 
Leithead,  James,  Moffat,  223 

James,  Galashiels,  223 
Lennox,  Edward,  Perth,  223 
Leslie,  J.  &  P.,  Kirkcaldy,  223 

John,  Kirkcaldy,  223 

Peter,  Burntisland,  223 

Thomas,  Borrowstounness,  224 

Thomas,  Edinburgh,  223,  224,  255 
Liddell,  James,  Bathgate,  224 

William,  Edinburgh,  224 

William,  Portobello,  224 

or  Liddall  &  Sons,  Edinburgh,  224 
Lightbody,  James,  Lanark,  224 

John,  Lanark,  224 
Lindsay,  Luke,  Greenock,  224 

William,  Edinburgh,  224 
Linlithgow,  The  Town  Clock  of,  224, 

225 

Lion,  Robert,  Carnwath,  226 
Little,  James,  Annan,  226 

John,  Annan,  226 
Littlejohn,  Wilson,  Peterhead,  226 
Livingstone,  Edward,  Dundee,  226 


Livingstone,  George,  Edinburgh,  226 
Lochart,  William,  Edinburgh,  226 
Lock,  Robert,  Edinburgh,  226 
Locke  &  Hutton,  Dunfermline,  226 
Logan,  Thomas,  Maybole,  226 

William,  Ballater,  226 
Logic,  Robert,  Edinburgh,  77,  226,  264 
Loudan,  David,  Kilwinning,  226 

John,  Irvine,  226 
Love,  James,  Edinburgh,  226 

James,  Elgin,  226 

John,  Edinburgh,  226 

John,  Glasgow,  226 

Neilson,  Port  Glasgow,  226 
Low,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  227 

Alexander,  Errol,  227 

James,  Edinburgh,  227 

John,  Kirriemuir,  227 

Thomas,  Dundee,  227 

Thomas,  Perth,  227 

Thomas,  Perth,  227 
Lowe, ,  Arbroath,  227 

,  Errol,  227 

Lucas,  Alexander,  Glasgow,  227 
Lumsdane,  Walter,  Cupar-Fife,  227 

Walter,  Cupar-Fife,  227 
Lumsden,  David,  Anstruther,  227 

George,  sen.,  Pittenweem,  227,  228 

George,  jun.,  Pittenweem,  228 

John,  Aberdeen,  228 
Lunan,  Charles,  sen.,  Aberdeen,  228 
Lundie,  John,  Dundee,  228 

John,  Elgin,  228 

William,  Inverurie,  228 
Lunn,  Charles,  Edinburgh,  228 
Lyndsay,  Friar  Alexander,  Aberdeen,  2, 

228 
Lyon, ,  Bathgate,  228 

Andrew,  Port  Glasgow,  229 

Charles,  Lanark,  229 

James  Walter  &  Co.,  Edinburgh,  229 

MACADAM,  Walter,  Bathgate,  229 

Walter,  Glasgow,  229 
Macara,  Robert,  Dunfermline,  229 
Macclymont,  James,  Ayr,  229 
Macfarlan,  Duncan,  Glasgow,  229 

&  Son,  Glasgow,  229 
Macfarlane,  A.  P.,  Glasgow,  229 

D.,  Glasgow,  229 

Patrick,  Glasgow,  229 


INDEX 


425 


Macfarlane,  Peter,  Glasgow,  229 
Macgregor,  Duncan,  Comrie,  229 
Maciver,  Murdo,  Dingwall,  229 
Mackay,  Alexander,  Peterhead,  229 

Alexander,  Banff,  229 

John,  Edinburgh,  148,  229 

&  Chisholm,  Edinburgh,  229,  230 
Mackenzie,  Colin,  Inverness,  230 

,  Glasgow,  225 

Mackerson,     David,     Edinburgh,    230, 

327 
Mackie,  Andrew,  Fraserburgh,  231 

John,  Ellon,  231 

William,  Aberdeen,  231 
Maclean,  Andrew,  Edinburgh,  148,  231 

George,  Edinburgh,  231 
Maclennan,  John, Dingwall  and  London, 

231 
Macnab,  John,  Perth,  231 

Robert,  Perth,  231 
Macnee,  William,  Edinburgh,  231 
Macpherson,    John,    Edinburgh,    231, 
232 

Normond,  Edinburgh,  48,  79,  115, 
141,  143,  172,  203,211,  223,  231, 
232,  233,  234,  266,  283,  345.  370, 
387 

&  Co.,  Edinburgh,  232,  234 

&  Leslie,  Edinburgh,  234 
Macrae,  Alexander,  Inverness,  235 

John,  Inverness,  235 
Macvicar,  Archibald,  Lundie  Mill,  Fife, 

235 
Magdalen    Chapel,    Edinburgh,  Clock 

and  Bell  of,  235  to  250 
Mailing,  Robert,  Aberdeen,  4,  250 
Maitland,  James,  Neilston,  250 

John,  Glasgow,  251 

John,  Lochwinnoch,  251 
Malcolm,  William,  Callander,  251 

William,  Edinburgh,  251 
Manners,    James,    Berwick-on-Tweed, 

251 
Manson,  Alexander,  Thurso,  251 

David,  Dundee,  251 
Marshall,  Francis  &  Son,  Edinburgh, 

251 

James  &  Son,  Wishaw,  251 
James  &  Walter,  Edinburgh,  251 
P.,  South  Queensferry,  251 
William,  Bellie,  252 


Martin,     John,     Kincardine-on-Forth, 
252 

Joseph,  Kippen,  252 

Peter,  Glasgow,  252 

Robert,  Glasgow,  253 

Robert,  Glasgow  and    Grahamston, 
252 

Robert,  Perth,  253 

William,  Glasgow,  253 

,  Castle-Douglas,  215,  253 

Mason,  John,  Kelso,  253 
Mathers,  George,  Peterhead,  253 
Matheson,  John  S.,  Leith,  25,  253 
Mathewson,  Andrew,  Kilconquhar,  253 

James,  Kilconquhar,  253 

William,  Kilconquhar,  253 
Mathieson,  John,  Edinburgh,  253 

Robert,  Edinburgh,  253 
Matthcwson,  John,  Anstruther,  254 
Maule,  William,  Coldstream,  254 
Maver,  Francis,  Fochabers,  254 
Mavine,  Daniel,  Edinburgh,  254 
Maxwell,  Henry,  Edinburgh,  254 

Robert,  Wigton,  254 

William,  Edinburgh,  254 
M'Adam,  Robert,  sen.,  Dumfries,  254 

Robert,  jun.,  Dumfries,  254 
M'Alpin,  George,  Edinburgh,  254 
M'Bean,  James,  Inverness,  254 
M'Beath,  Alexander,  Fraserburgh,  254 
M'Beth,  Daniel,  Glasgow,  254,  255 
M'Call,  John,  Dalkeith,  255 

John,  Edinburgh,  255 
M'Cracken,  William,  Glasgow,  255 
M'Credie,  Thomas,  Stranraer,  255 
M'Donald,  David,  Edinburgh,  255 

David,  Glasgow  255 

Donald,  Inverness,  255 

Duncan,  Edinburgh,  255 

James,  Aberdeen,  255 

John,  Inverness,  255,  256 

Peter,  Inverness,  256 

William,  Edinburgh,  256 

William,  Invergordon,  256 

William,  Nairn,  256 
M'Duff,  J.,  Maybole,  256 
M'Ewan,  James,  Crieff,  256 

John,  Crieff,  257 

William,  Auchterarder,  257 
M'Ewen,  William,  Edinburgh,  257 
M'Farlane,  Alexander,  Perth,  257 


426 


INDEX 


M'Farlane,  D.  &  Son,  Glasgow,  257 

James,  Perth,  257 

Patrick,  Glasgow,  257 

Patrick,  Perth,  257 
M'Farlane,  Robert,  Perth,  257 
M'Fie,  Brice,  Greenock,  257 
M'George,  David,  Castle-Douglas,  257 

John,  Kirkcudbright,  257 

— ,  Dumfries,  257 
M'Gilchrist,  John,  Barrhead,  257 

J.,  Kirkintilloch,-257 
M'Gill,  G.  &  W.,  Paisley,  257 
M'Gregor,    Alexander,     Dunse,      107, 

257 

D.  W.,  Glasgow,  257 

Forrest,  St  Ninians,  257 

James,  Edinburgh,  120,  257 

James  &  Son,  Edinburgh,  257 

John,  Edinburgh,  257 

John,  Stornoway,  257 

John,  Wick,  257 

Peter,  Perth,  257 

Thomas,  Ay  ton,  257 
M'Innes,  Neal,  Lochgilphead,  258 

William,  Glasgow,  258 
M'Intyre,  Joseph,  Crieff,  258 
M'Kay,  Alexander,  Banff,  258 

David,  Arbroath,  258 

James  T.,  Aberdeen,  258 
M'Kenzie,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  258 

Francis,  Edinburgh,  258 

Kenneth,  Edinburgh,  258 

Lewis,  Edinburgh,  258 

Murdoch,  Edinburgh,  258 

William,  Aberchirder,  258 
M'Kerroa,  James,  Dalkeith,  258 
M'Kinlay,  Peter,  Edinburgh,  258 
M'Kirdie,  John,  Aberdeen,  258 
M'Kirdy,  Hugh,  Glasgow,  258 
M'Lachlan,  John,  Dumfries,  258 
M'Laren,  James,  Glasgow,  258 

L.,  Edinburgh,  258 
M'Lean,  George,  Glasgow,  258 
M'Lennan,  William,  Inverness,  258 
M'Leod,  J.  &  Co.,  Aberdeen,  258 
M'Master,  William,  Greenock,  258 
M'Millan,  Andrew,  Glasgow,  259 

James,  Ardrossan,  259 

Peter,  Aberdeen,  259 
M'Nab,  John,  Perth,  259 

J.  &  A.,  Perth,  259 


M'Naughtan,Alexander,Edinburgh,259 
M'Naughton,  Donald,  Perth,  259 
M'Niesh,  John,  Falkirk,  259 
M'Pherson,  John,  Nairn,  259 
M'Queen,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  259 
M'Robert,  Thomas,  Stranraer,  259 

M'Skimming, ,     Castle-Douglas, 

215,  259 
M'Walter,  James,  Paisley,  259,  260 

Moses,  Balfron,  260 
M'Waters,  George,  Glasgow,  260 
M'Whinnie,  Robert,  Ayr,  260 
Mearns,  Ernest,  Banff,  260 

John,  Aberdeen,  260 
Mellis,  John,  Edinburgh,  260 
Melrose,  James,  Edinburgh,  260 

— ,  Edinburgh,  260 
Melvil  or  Melvill,  Robert,  Stirling,  78, 

260 

Melvill,  Robert,  Aberdeen,  5,  260 
Memes,  James,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  260 
Memess,  James,  Garnock,  260 

John,  Johnshaven,  260 
Memis,  William,  Aberdeen,  260 
Menzies,  Robert,  Alloa,  261 

Robert,  Coupar-Angus,  260 

Robert,  Crieff,  261 

Robert,  Perth,  261 
Mercer,  Hay,  Aberdeen,  261 
Merrylies  or  Merrylees,  Charles,  Edin- 
burgh, 261 

Merson,  James,  Huntly,  261 
Methven,  David,  St  Andrews,  261,  262 
Michie,  James,  Brechin,  262 
Millar,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  262 

David,  Bathgate,  262 

George,  Carluke,  262 

John,  Edinburgh,  262 

John,  Edinburgh,  262 

Peter,  Alloa,  263 

Richard,  Edinburgh,  75,  263,  264 

Robert,  Edinburgh,  264 

R.  &  Son,  Edinburgh,  264 
Miller,  Alexander,  Perth,  264 

Alexander,  Montrose,  264 

Archibald,  Castle-Douglas,  215,  264 

Archibald,  Glasgow,  264 

Archibald,  Kirkcudbright,  264 

Archibald  &  William,  Airdrie,  264 

Andrew,  Edinburgh,  264 

George,  Perth,  265 


INDEX 


427 


Miller,  James,  Alloa,  265 

James,  Perth,  265 

James,  Perth,  265,  266 

James,  Port  Glasgow,  265 

John,  Selkirk,  266 
Robert,  Perth,  266 

William,  Aberdeen,  266 
Milligan,  Andrew,  Ayr,  266 

Andrew,  Edinburgh,  266,  376 

Andrew,  jun.,  Edinburgh,  266 
Milne,  Alexander,  Aberdeen,  267 

George,  Aberdeen,  267 

George,  Edinburgh,  165,  267 

Gideon,  Edinburgh,  267 

Humphrey  or  Umpra,  Edinburgh, 
57,  77,  245,  267,  268,  269,  284 

James,  St  Ninians,  269 

John,  Edinburgh,  235,  269 

John,  Edinburgh,  269 

Joseph,  Huntly,  269 

Richard,  or  Mills,  Edinburgh,  13,61, 
165,  169,  202,  267,  269,  270,  271, 
38o,  396 

Robert,  Aberdeen,  271 

Robert,  Montrose,  271 

Thomas,  Huntly,  271 

William,  Dunfermline,  271 
Mitchell,  Alexander,  Glasgow,  271 

Alexander,  Glasgow,  271 

Alexander  &  Son,  Glasgow,  272 

Bishop,  Garvock,  273 

James,  Saltcoats,  272 

John  &  William,  Glasgow,  272 

Walter,  Edinburgh,  273 

William,  Aberdeen,  273 

William,  Glasgow,  273 

&  Russell,  Glasgow,  273 
Mitchelson,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  273 

James,  Edinburgh,  274 

John,  Edinburgh,  274 
Moffat,  Alexander,  Musselburgh,  274 

James,  Musselburgh,  274 
Mollison,  Charles,  Edinburgh,  274 
Monro,  George,  Edinburgh,  151,  184, 
189,  274,  275,  276,  277,  278,  279, 
280,  336,  342,  374,  38i,  399 

George,  Inverness,  275 

Hector,  Leith,  280 

Hugh,  Edinburgh,  280 

Hunter,  Edinburgh,  280 

Monteith,  James,  Edinburgh,  280 


Moore,  George,  Cumnock,  280 
Morgan,  Donald,  Kirkwall,  280 

Thomas,  Edinburgh,   108,   145,  174, 

204,  226,  259,  280,  281 
Morison,  William,  Alloa,  281 
Morrison,  Alexander,  Glasgow,  281 

George,  Aberdeen,  281 

George,  Auchtermuchty,  282 

John,  Edinburgh,  282 

Theodore,  Aberdeen,  282 

William,  Glasgow,  282 

&  M'Ewan,  Edinburgh,  282 
Mortimer,  William,  Cullen,  282 

William,  Portsoy,  282 
Morton,  James,  Dunbar,  282 

Robert  S.,  Dunbar,  282 
Mosely,  M.,  Glasgow,  282 
Mossman  &  Son,  Edinburgh,  282 
Muir,  James,  Glasgow,  282 

Robert,  Dairy,  282 
Muirhead, ,  Glasgow,  282 

Henry,  Glasgow,  282 

Henry,  Rothesay,  282 

James,  Glasgow,  282 

James,  Glasgow,  282 
Munro,  Dugald,  Aberfeldie,  282 

Hugh,  Dollar,  282 

John,  Edinburgh,  282 
Murdoch,  Andrew,  Glasgow,  282 

James,  Ayr,  282 

James,  Tarbolton,  282 

James  &  Son,  Ayr,  282 

John,  Edinburgh,  64,  172,  204,  226, 
283,  345,  348,  386,  391 

John,  Edinburgh,  283 
Murray,  David,  Edinburgh,  II,  54,  119, 
140,  147,  175,  *88,  282,  283 

George,  Lochgilphead,  283 

George,  Doune,  283 

James,  Moffat  and  London,  283 

John,  Aberdeen,  284 

John,  Lanark,  284 

Robert,  Lauder,  284 

R.  &  R.,  Lauder,  220,  284 

William,  Edinburgh,  284 
Myles,  George,  Edinburgh,  284 
Mylne,  J.  A.  Montrose,  284 

James,  Edinburgh,  284 

James,  Edinburgh,  284 

NAPIER,  Thomas,  Glasgow,  284 


428 


INDEX 


Napier  &  Dunn,  Glasgow,  284 
Neall,  James,  Edinburgh,  284 
Neill,  John,  Glasgow,  284 
Neilson,  George,  Dumfries,  284 

John,  Glasgow,  285 
Nevay,  William,  Forfar,  285 
Newlands,  L.  F.,  Glasgow,  285 

James  and  Luke,  Glasgow,  285 
Nicholson,    John,    Berwick-on-Tweed, 
285 

Richard,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  285 
Nicol,  James,  Kilmarnock,  286 

Joseph,  Coupar  Angus,  286 
Nicoll,  James,  Edinburgh,  80, 122,  163, 
210,  253,  286,  289,  380 

William,  Edinburgh,  66,  88,  1 14, 115. 
168,  172,  189,  260,  273,  280,  287, 
288,  345,  370 
Nimmo,  Alexander,  Kirkcaldy,  288 

Alexander,  Leith,  288 

J.  Leith,  288 

Nisbet,  James,  Edinburgh,  288 
Noble,  John,  Perth,  288 
Norrie,  David,  Leith,  288 

OCG,  Hendrie,  Dunfermline,  288 
&  M'Millan,  Aberdeen,  288 

Oliphant,  Alexander,  Anstruther  Easter, 

288 

Alexander,  Anstruther,  288 
Alexander,  Pittenweern,  288 

Orr,  James,  Greenock,  288 
William,  Saltcoats,  288 

Ott,  William,  Edinburgh,  288 

PAISLEY,  The  Common  Clock  of,  289 
Panton,  James,  Edinburgh,  188,  289 

Robert,  Edinburgh,  289 
Park,  George,  Eraser  burgh,  289 

James,  Kilmacolm,  289 

John,  Inverurie,  289 
Parker,    Matthew,    Dunfermline,    132, 

290,  291,  310 

Parkinson,  Roger,  Edinburgh,  180,  291 
Paten,  Archibald,  Edinburgh,  291 
Paterson,  Alexander,  Leith,  291 

George  &  Co.,  Aberdeen,  291 

James,  Banff,  291 

James,  Edinburgh,  22O,  221,  263,  292, 
300 

John,  North  Leith,  147,  292 


Paterson,  Patrick,  Edinburgh,  293 

Walter,  Edinburgh,  293 

William,  Edinburgh,  293 

,  Carbarns,  293 

,  Glasgow,  293 

Paton,  David,  Dunfermline,  294 

James,  Edinburgh,  294 
Pattison,  James,  Glasgow,  294 
Paul,  Thomas,  Glasgow,  294 
Paxton,  John,  Kelso,  294 
Pearson,  Emmanuel,  Edinburgh,    294 

Thomas,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  294 

William,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  294 
Peat,  John,  Crieff,  294 

Thomas,  Crieff,  294 

Thomas,  Stirling,  294 
Peatt,  David,  Crieff,  294 
Peddie,  Andrew,  Stirling,  294 

James,  Stirling,  295 

James,  Stirling,  295 
Peebles,  James,  Selkirk,  295 
Peebles,  The  Common  Clock  of,  295, 

296,  297 

Peet,  Thomas,  Stirling,  297 
Pen,  William,  Edinburgh,  297 
Penman,  Robert,  Dunfermline,  297 
Pennecuik,  James,  Glasgow,  297 
Peterkin,  J.,  Edinburgh,  297 
Peters,  David,  Arbroath,  297 
Petrie,  John  and  William,  New  Deer, 

297 

Pettigrew,  John,  Edinburgh,  297 
Phillip,  Alexander,  Glasgow,  297 

Alexander,  Edinburgh,  297,  298 

William,  Edinburgh,  298,  299 
Phinn,  Thomas,  Edinburgh,  299 
Picken,  Charles,  Edinburgh,  299,  300 

John,  Edinburgh,  263,  300,  368 

John,  Leith,  300 

Thomas,  Edinburgh,  300 
Pinchbeck,    Edward,    Edinburgh,    300, 

301 

Pinkerton,  John,  Haddington,  77,  302 
Pirrie,  John,  Perth,  302 

J.,  Cullen,  302 

Pitcairn  &  Robertson,  Paisley,  302 
Polwarth,  William,  Dunse,  302 
Porter,  Robert,  Galston,  302 
Potts,  James,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  302 
Pourie,  Henry,  Perth,  302 
Pozzie,  Joseph,  Elgin,  302 


INDEX 


429 


Pringle,  Adam,  Edinburgh,  302 

George,  Edinburgh,  303 

George  &  Son,  Edinburgh,  303 

James,  Dalkeith,  303 

Thomas,  Dalkeith,  303 

Thomas,  Edinburgh,  303 

William,  Edinburgh,  304 
Procter,  Alexander,  Tarland,  304 

Robert,  Edinburgh,  304 
Purdoune,  Andrew,  Glasgow,  162,  304 
Purves,   William,    Edinburgh,    2,    123, 

304,  305,  373 
Pyot,  James,  Edinburgh  and  Leith,  305 

RAE,  Rev.  Peter,  Kirkconnel,  305 

Rait,  D.  C.,  Glasgow,  305 

Ramage,  James,  Edinburgh,  60,  75,  81, 

114,  169,  188,  305 

Ramsay,  David,  Dundee  and  London 
3o6,  307,308,  321 

Mark,  Edinburgh,  308 

Patrick,  John,  and  Silvester,  Dundee, 
125,  126,  127,  306,  308 

Robert,  Dumfries,  308 
Ranken,  James,  Edinburgh,  308 
Rankin,  Alexander,  Greenock,  308 

John,  Old  Cumnock,  308 
Rankine,  John,  Edinburgh,  308 

J.  &  W.,  Sorn,  308 
Rannie,  Alexander,  Turnff,  308 
Reed,  Andrew,  Sanquhar,  309 

William,  Edinburgh,  309 

William,  Montrose,  309 
Redpath, ,  Kelso,  309 

Henry,  Stirling,  309 
Reid,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  309 

Andrew,  Biggar,  309 

David,  Glasgow,  309 

Francis,  Glasgow,  309 

Francis  &  Sons,  Glasgow,  309 

&  Halbert,  Glasgow,  309 

&  Tod,  Glasgow,  309 

James,  Edinburgh,  309 

James,  Edinburgh,  310 

John,  Banff,  38,  310 

John,  Edinburgh,  310 

John,  Edinburgh,  310 

John,  Glasgow,  310 

John,  Sanquhar,  310 

Robert,  Glasgow,  310 

Thomas,  Montrose,  310 


Reid,  Thomas,  Auchtermuchty,  310 

Thomas,  Canongate,  Edinburgh,  310 

Thomas,  Edinburgh,  20,  21,  22,  42, 
$6,  89,  290,  303,  309,  310,  311, 
312,  313,  316,  343,  370,  390 

Thomas,  Edinburgh,  315 

&  Auld,  Edinburgh,  22,  208,  313, 
314,  315,390,  392 

and  Auld  Bequest,  Edinburgh,  23,  24, 
25,  26,  27 

William,  Edinburgh,  315 

William  Otto,  Biggar,  316 
Rennie,  Alexander  D.,  Arbroath,  316 

Alexander,  Turriff,  316 
Rhind,  Thomas,  Paisley,  316 
Richardson,  George,  Edinburgh,  316 

William,  Alloa,  316 

William,  Balfron,  316 

William,  Edinburgh,  287,  317,  375 

William,  Paisley,  316 
Riddel,  Charles,  Old  Meldrum,  317 

D.  &  J.,  Aberdeen,  317 

James,  Aberdeen,  317 
Ritchie, ,  Dundee,  317 

Andrew,  Edinburgh,  317 

George,  Arbroath,  317 

James,  Edinburgh,  75,  133,  137,  317 
Ritchie,  James  &  Son,  Edinburgh,  317 

James,  Muthill,  317 

John,  Coupar- Angus,  318 

John,  Edinburgh,  317 

Peter,  Edinburgh,  318 

Samuel,  Forfar,  318 

Thomas,  Cupar-Fife,  318 
Robold,  Zeprian,  Greenock,  318 
Robb,  William,  Montrose,  318 
Robertson,  Charles,  Coupar- Angus,  318 

Daniel,  Glasgow,  318 

David,  Edinburgh,  318 

David,  Perth,  318 

Duncan,  Blairgowrie,  318 

Ebenezer,  Glasgow,  318 

George,  Dundee,  318 

George,  Edinburgh,  318 

James,  Dundee,  318 

James,  Edinburgh,  318 

James,  Edinburgh,  319 

James,  Leith,  319 

James,  Perth,  319 

John,  Edinburgh,  319 

Matthew,  Mauchline,  319 


430 


INDEX 


Robertson,  Patrick,  Perth,  319 

Robert,  Glasgow,  319 

Robert,  Perth,  319 

Thomas,  Glasgow,  319 

Thomas,  Rothesay,  319 

W.,  Edinburgh,  320 

William,  Dunbar,  320 

William,  Edinburgh,  320 

William,  Edinburgh,  320 

William,  Falkland,  320 
Robson,  W.,  Linton,  321 
Rodger,  Alexander,  Campbeltown,  321 

William,  Stonehaven,  321 
Ross,  Charles,  Broughty-Ferry,  321 

David,  Dysart,  321 

George,  Inveraray,  321 

James,  Glasgow,  321 

Thomas,  Tain,  321 

William,  Dingwall,  321 

William,  Huntly,  321 

William,  Stonehaven,  321 
Rough,  David,  Dundee,  321 

James,  Kirkcaldy,  321 
Roumieu,    Paul,  sen.,   Edinburgh,   87, 
88,   167,  254,   321,  322,  323,  324, 

326,  380,  382 

Paul,  jun.,  Edinburgh,  151,  230,  294, 

327,  328,  329 

Rowland,     John,     Berwick-on-Tweed, 
329 

John,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  329 

Walter,  Berwick-on-Tweed,  329 

Walter,  Yetholm,  329 
Roy,  James,  Edinburgh,  329 

William,  Dunfermline,  330 

William,  Edinburgh,  329 
Rule,  James,  Dundee,  330 

John,  Kelso,  330 

Walter,  Edinburgh,  330 
Russell,  D.,  Leith,  330 
Russell,  Hugh,  Moffat,  330 

John,  Falkirk,  217,  330,  331,  332,  333 

John,  Falkirk,  333 

Robert,  Moffat,  333 

Samuel,  Selkirk,  333 

Samuel,  Selkirk,  333 

William,  Falkirk,  333 

William,  Glasgow,  333 

William,  Glasgow,  333 
Rutherford,  Walter,  Jedburgh,  333 

William,  Hawick,  333 


SAFELY,  John,  Edinburgh,  55,  334 

John,  Carluke,  334 
Safly,  John,  Lanark,  334 
Salmon,  Colin,  Dundee,  334 
Sanderson,  Alexander,  Dunblane,  334 

John,  Wigton,  334,  335 
Sandy,  James,  Alyth,  335,  336 
Sangster,  Alexander,  Pelerhead,  336 
Scot,  James,  Dalkeith,  336 
Scott,  Andrew,  Edinburgh,  336 

Andrew,  Dingwall,  336 

Andrew,  Dundee,  336 

David,  Dundee,  336 

David,  Edinburgh,  336 

Frederick,  Dundee,  336 

George,    Edinburgh,    75,    137,    277, 
336,  399 

James,  Leith,  337 

James,  Selkirk,  337 

John,  Edinburgh,  337,  338 

John,  Edinburgh,  338,  339 

Robert,  Edinburgh  and  Virginia,  339 

Walter,  Lauder,  339 

William,  Aberdeen  and  London,  339 

William,  Dundee,  339 

William,  Ferryport-on-Craig,  339 
Scott  &  Co.,  Glasgow,  339 

&  Steele,  Edinburgh,  339 
Scrymgeour,  James,  Aberdeen,  339 

James,  Glasgow,  339 
Sellar,  John,  Elgin,  339 
Sharp,  Robert,  Coldstream,  340 

Robert,  Jedburgh,  340 
Sharpe,  Francis,  Dumfries,  340 
Shearer,  Michael,  Edinburgh,  340 

&  Walker,  Glasgow,  340 

Mrs  Charles,  Glasgow,  340 
Shedden,  Charles,  Perth,  340,  341 
Sheill,  James,  Earlston,  341 
Sherriff,  William,  Edinburgh,  39,  341 
Shier,  Thomas,  Banff,  342 
Short,  Ramsay,  Edinburgh,  342 

Thomas,  Edinburgh,  342 
Sim,  John,  Longside,  342 
Sime,  Robert,  Edinburgh,  342 
Simpson,  David,  Portree,  342 

John,  Edinburgh,  342 

John,  Girvan,  342 

Robert,  Edinburgh,  342 
Sims,  Francis,  Edinburgh,  342 
Sinclair,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  342 


INDEX 


431 


Sinclair,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  342 

James,  Alloa,  342 

Peter,  Glasgow,  342 
Skelton,  George,  Edinburgh,  37,  66,  81, 
99i   H4,  175.  183,  189,  190,  308, 
342,  343i  344i  399 
Skeock,  James,  sen.,  Stewarton,  344 
Skirving,  John,    Edinburgh,   108,  183, 

344,  345,  346,  347,  34^,  37*,  399 
Sliman,  Archibald,  Cumnock,  348 
Slimen,  William,  Ayr,  348 
Small,  Thomas,  Dundee,  348 

William,  Edinburgh,  348 
Smeiton,  Charles,  Dunbar,  349 
Smith,  Alexander,  Banff,  349 

Alexander,  Dundee,  349 

Alexander,  Inverurie,  349 

Alexander,  Tranent,  349 

Andrew,  Prestonpans,  349 

A.  P.,  Dundee,  349 

Charles,  Aberdeen,  349 

David,  Pittenweem,  349 

David,  St  Andrews,  349 

George,    Edinburgh,    350,  351,  365, 
366 

George,  Forres,  349 

George,  Huntly,  349 

James,  Dundee,  351 

James,  Edinburgh,  351,  352 

James,  Edinburgh,  236,  237,  239,  352, 
353,  365 

James,  Grantown,  351 

James,  Irvine,  351 

John,  Edinburgh,  353 

John,  Edinburgh,  353 

John,  Glasgow,  353 

John,  Perth,  353 

John,    Pittenweem,    227,   290,   310, 
353  to  365 

Robert,    Edinburgh,    14,   209,   212, 
213,  365,  366 

Robert,  Inverness,  366 

Robert,  Irvine,  366 

Robert,  North  Berwick,  366 

Walter,  Aberdeen,  366 

William,  Dundee,  367 

William,  Edinburgh,  367 

William,  Fort  William,  367 

William,  Inverness,  366 

William,  Irvine,  367 

William,  Leith,  367 


Smith,  William,  Loanhead,  367 
William,  Musselburgh,  367 
William,  Perth,  367 
Smyth,  George,  Glasgow,  161,  367 
Smythe,  Philemon,  Edinburgh,  367 
Somerville,  David,  St  Ninians,  367,  368 

Robert,  Glasgow,  368 
Spark,  William,  Aberdeen,  368 
Speed,  George,  Dundee,  368 

Spink, ,  Elgin,  368 

Spence,  Hugh,  Huntly,  368 

John,  Stromness,  368 
Robert,  Dysart,  368 

Thomas,  Dysart,  368 
Spens,  James,  Edinburgh,  368 
Spittal,  James,  Glasgow,  368 
Sprunt,  David,  Perth,  369 
Steel,  John,  Edinburgh,  369 

Peter,  Perth,  369 

Thomas,  Edinburgh,  369 

Thomas,  Kirkintilloch,  369 
Steele,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  36^ 

Alexander,  Edinburgh,  369 

John,  Edinburgh,  369 
Steell,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  369 
Steinsone,  Robert,  Glasgow,  369 
Stephen,  James,  Old  Meldrum,  369 
Stevenson,   Adam,    Dunfermline,    128, 
369 

Alexander,  Edinburgh,  369 

David,  Kilmarnock,  370 

William  Hart,  Edinburgh,  370 
Stewart,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  370 

Alexander  B.,  Kirkwall,  371 

Allan  and  Robert,  Glasgow,  370 

Charles,  Blairgowrie,  370 

Charles,  Edinburgh,  370 

Francis,  Brechin,  370 

George,  Perth,  370 

James,  Glasgow,  370 

John,  Auchterarder,  370 

John,  Dunbar,  371 

John,  Edinburgh,  371 

John,  Edinburgh,  371 

Robert,  Blairgowrie,  371 

Robert,  Glasgow,  371 

Thomas,  Auchterarder,  371 
Steel  or  Stiell,  John,   Edinburgh,  12, 

170,  171,  372 

Still,  William,  Aberdeen,  372 
Stirling,  Robert,  Stirling,  372 


432 


INDEX 


Stirling,    the    Common   Clock   of    the 

Burgh  of,  372,  373,  374 
Stoddart,  George,  Edinburgh,  374 

James,  Edinburgh,  374 

John,  Edinburgh,  374 

Robert,  Edinburgh,  374 
Strachan,  Andrew,  London,  374 
Straiton,  Archibald,  Edinburgh,  67,  88, 
147,  153,320,  372,  374,  375,  399 

David,  Montrose,  375 
Strang,  James,  Glasgow,  375 

Robert,  Alloa,  375 
Strauchan,  Thomas,  Edinburgh,  374 
Stuart,  Alexander,  Kirkwall,  375 
Sturrock,  William,  Edinburgh,  25,  26, 

375 
Sutherland,  David,  Keith,  375 

David,  Leith,  375 

George,  Elgin,  375 

George,  Elgin,  375 

George,  Stonehaven,  375 

James,  Forres,  375 

John,  Aberdeen,  375 

William,  Wick,  376 
Sutor,  William,  Edinburgh,  67,  88,  165, 

376,  400 
Swan,  George,  Edinburgh,  376 

Sym, ,  Edinburgh,  376 

Symington,  Andrew,  Kettle,  377,  378 
Symsone,  James,  Dunfermline,  131,  378 

TAINSH,  David,  Crieff,  378 
Tait,  Archibald,  Edinburgh,  378 

Charles,  Peebles,  378 

David,  Edinburgh,  378 

William,  Wigtown,  378 
Taylor,  Charles,  Kinross,  378 

James,  Doune,  379 

James,  Mormond,  379 

James,  Strichen,  378 

James,  Tillicoultry,  379 

Joseph,  Perth,  379 

Joseph,  Strichen,  379 

Thomas,  Kinross,  379 

William,  Dumfries,  379 
Telfer,  Alexander,  Aberdeen,  379 

Alexander,  Glasgow,  379 

John,  Glasgow,  379 

Samuel,  Glasgow,  379 
Templeton,  David,  Maybole,  379 

James,  Glasgow,  379 


Templeton,  John,  Ayr,  379 

M.,  Beith,  379 

Robert,  Ayr,  379 

Thomas,  Dalmellington,  379 
Theman,  David,  Aberdeen,  I,  380 
Thibou,  Jacques,  Edinburgh,  327,  380 
Thompson,      Andrew,      Campbeltown 

380 
Thomson,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  380 

Alexander,  Keith,  380 

Alexander,  Kirkwall,  380 

Andrew,  Glasgow,  380 

Archibald,  Edinburgh,  380 

Archibald,  Edinburgh,  380 

David,  Perth,  143,  380 

George,  Edinburgh,  380 

George,  Glasgow,  380 

George,  Kilmarnock,  380 

James,  Edinburgh,  380 

James,  Leslie,  380 

John,  Edinburgh,  381 

John,  Edinburgh,  381 

John,  sen.,  Leith,  381 

John,  Leslie,  380 

John,  Perth,  380,  381 

John,  Stirling,  380 

Peter  Neilus,  Edinburgh,  381 

Robert,  Bo'ness,  225,  381,  382 

Robert,  Glasgow,  381 

William,  Dalkeith,  382 

William,  Edinburgh,  77,  299,  382 

William,  Edinburgh,  382 

William,  Perth,  382 
Thorkein,  William,  Edinburgh,  382 
Todd,  Daniel,  Glasgow,  382 

John,  Dumfries,  382 

John,  Glasgow,  382 

William,  Glasgow,  382 
Torcher,  Alexander,  Greenlaw,  382 
Torry,   Alexander,    Banchory    Ternan, 

382 

Toshach,  Patrick,  Perth,  383 
Tough,  Rev.  George,  Ayton,  383,  384 
Townsend,  Robert,  Greenock,  384 

William,  Greenock,  384 
Trotter,  Alexander,  Jedburgh,  384 

Robert,  Leith,  384 
Tulloh,  John,  Nairn,  384 
Turnbull,  John,  Dunfermline,  385 

John,  Edinburgh,  385 

John,  Hawick,  385 


INDEX 


433 


Turnbull,  Peter,  Glasgow,  385 
Robert,  Greenock,  385 
William,    Edinburgh,    10,    34$,  385, 

386 

William,  Inverkeithing,  386 
Turnbull  &  Aitchison,  Edinburgh,  168, 
169,  201,  262,  274,  284,  385,  386, 

394 
Turnbull  &  Symson,  Dunfermline,  386, 

387 
Turner,  James,  Edinburgh,  387 

URE,  William,  Cumbernauld,  387 

Urquhart, ,  Elgin,  387 

John,  Perth,  387 

VEITCH,  Robert,  Edinburgh,  387 
William,  Edinburgh,  387 
William,  Haddington,  387 

WADDELL,  John,  Glasgow,  387 
Waldie,  William,  Dunse,  387 
Walker,  James,  Penicuik,  387 

James,  Montrose,  388 

George,  Edinburgh,  388 

Robert,  Glasgow,  388 
Wallace,  Andrew,  Ayr,  388 

George,  Prestonpans,  388 

John,  Leven,  388 

John,  Musselburgh,  388 

John,  Paisley,  289,  388 

Robert,  Forfar,  388 

William,  Aberdeen,  I,  388 
Wanhagan,  Patrick,  Aberdeen,  6,  388 
Wardlaw,  James,  Perth,  388 
Warren,  George  W.,  London,  25,  388 
Waters,  William  C.,  Milnathort,  388 
Watson,  Alexander,  Glasgow,  388 

David,  Dundee,  388 

George,  Edinburgh,  298,  388,  389 

James,  Aberdeen,  389 

James,  Edinburgh,  389 

John,  Kirriemuir,  389 

Robert,  Alyth,  389 

&  Marshall,  Edinburgh,  389 
Watt,  James,  Edinburgh,  389 

John,  Irvine,  389 

Thomas  &  Co.,  Edinburgh,  389,  390 

&  M'Alpine,  Edinburgh,  390 
Walters,  William,  Inverness,  390 
Waugh,  John,  Wigton,  390 


Weatherburn,      Robert,      Berwick-on- 

Tweed,  390 
Webster,  James,  Edinburgh,  390 

John,  Edinburgh,  390 

Thomas,  Dundee,  390 

Wedderburn, ,  Tweedmouth,  390 

Weir,  David,  Glasgow,  390 

Robert,  Lanark,  390 
Welsh,  George,  Dalkeith,  390 

John,  Glasgow,  390 

Robert,  Dalkeith,  391 
West,  John,  Riccarton,  391 
Wetherspon,    Alexander,    Haddington, 

391 

Whelar,  Samuel,  Glasgow,  391 
White,  Andrew,  Forres,  391 

George,  Glasgow,  391 

James,  Paisley,  391 

Robert,  Edinburgh,  391 
Whitehead,  Robert,  Edinburgh,  391 
Whitelaw,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  391 

David,  Edinburgh,  391,  392,  393 

James,  Edinburgh,  390,  393 

&  Fletcher,  Edinburgh,  393 
Whyte,  Duncan,  Oban,  393 
Whytock,  Peter,  Dundee,  393 
Wight,  Andrew,  Ayr,  393 
Wightman,  Alexander,  Moffat,  393 
Wild,  F.  J.,  Dundee,  393 
Wilkie,  John,  Cupar-Fife,  393 

Robert,  Leven,  394 
Wilkinson,  Joseph,  Annan,  394 
Will,  Alexander,  Huntly,  394 
Williams,  Peter,  Dunfermline,  394 
Williamson,  George,  Leith,  394 

James,  Dundee,  394 

John,  Edinburgh,  394 

Robert,  Falkirk,  '394 

William,  Banff,  37,  395 
Willox,  Alexander,  Aberdeen,  5,  6,  395 
Wilson,  David,  Beith,  395 

George,  Edinburgh,  395 

Hugh,  Edinburgh,  395 

James,  Ettrick,  395 

James,  Kelso,  395 

James,  Turriff,  395 

John,  Edinburgh,  396 

John,  Oban,  396 

P.,  Keith,  396 

T.  H.,  Edinburgh,  396 

Thomas,  Stewarton,  396 


434 


INDEX 


Wilson,  Thomas,  Edinburgh,  396 

William,  Auchterless,  396 
Winter,  Robert,  Edinburgh,  397 
Wiseman,  James,  Hamilton,  397 
Wither  spoon,    Alexander,    Edinburgh, 

397,  398 

Alexander,  Tranent,  398 
Wood,  Alexander,  Stirling,  398 

Alexander,  Glasgow,  398 
Wotherspoon,  John,  Glasgow,  398 
Wright,  Walter,  Ecclefechan,  398 

W7illiam,  Dunbar,  398 
Wylie,  David,  Greenock,  398 

George,  Dumfries,  398 

William,  Edinburgh,  398 

William,  Stromness,  399 
Wyllie,  Alexander,  Edinburgh,  399 

Alfred,  Dumfries,  399 

YEAMAN,  James,  Edinburgh,  399 

John,  Edinburgh,  399 
Youl,  George,  Edinburgh,  399 
Young,  Archibald,  Dundee,  399 

Charles,  Perth,  142,  151,  163,  399 


Young,  James,  Dundee,  399 
James,  Edinburgh,  399 
James,  Edinburgh,  399 
James,  Perth,  152,  259,  283,  319,  369. 

399 

John,  Glasgow,  399 

John  G.,  Dundee,  400 

Malcolm,  Edinburgh,  400 

Malcolm,  Perth,  400 

Patrick,  Forfar,  400 

Samuel,  Perth,  400 

Thomas,  Dundee,  400 

Thomas,  Edinburgh,  400 

Thomas,  Edinburgh,  400 

Thomas,  Edinburgh,  400 

Thomas,  Perth,  400 

William,  Auchtergaven,  400 

William,  Dundee,  400 

William,  Perth,  370,  400 

William,  Stirling,  400 
Yuil,  Thomas,  Castle  Douglas,  400 
Yuill,  Robert,  Glasgow,  400 
Yule,  James,  Castle  Douglas,  400 


NAMES   OF   MAKERS   FURTH   OF  SCOTLAND 
OCCURRING  IN    TEXT. 


ADDISON,  Joseph,  London,  339 
Allan,  David,  London,  188 

,  London,  146 

Anderson,  A.,  London,  40 
Appley,  Edmund,  London,  245 

Beaunett, ,  London,  36 

Bennett,  T.,  London,  15 
Berness,  T.,  London,  9 
Berress,  T.,  London,  19 
Berry,  John,  London,  385 
Bond,  Jo,  London,  146 

Bracebridge, ,  London,  309 

Bradly,  L.,  London,  67,  136 
Bradshaw  &  Ryley,  Coventry,  87 
Breguet,  A.  L.,  Paris,  22 
Brown,  John,  London,  89 
Butt,  H.,  London,  186 

Capt,  Hry.,  Geneve,  263 

Charleson ,  London,  234 

Cheshe,  Da,  London,  384 

Churchill, ,  London,  189 

Clarke,  Geo.,  London,  186 
Clay,  C.,  London,  146 

Coburn, ,  London,  146 

Creak,  George,  London,  74 
William,  London,  337 

Davidson,  C.,  London,  112 

Dent, ,  London,  69 

Denton,  Joseph,  Hull,  3°9 
Deschurines, ,  London,  287 

Edmonds,  D.,  Liverpool,  283 

Ellis, ,  London,  95 

Etheriogton, ,  London,  no 

Gabyd,  James,  London,  51 
Garrison,  Tobe,  Ipswich,  370 


Gibson, ,  Alnwick,  37 

Gibited,  John,  London,  234 

Godemars, ,  France,  183 

Grafton,  T.,  London,  186 
Graham,  George,  London,  42 
Gratton,  C.,  London,  146 

Qregory, ,  Dublin,  305 

Greenwood,  J.,  London,  399 

Haines,  Fra,  London,  163 
Harvey,  Thomas,  London,  108 
Hastings,  David,  Alnwick,  ill 
Herbert,  R.,  London,  321 
Hill,  Thomas,  London,  83 
Hosken,  B.,  London,  186 

Innes,  Robt,  London,  202 

Jackson, ,  London,  267 

Johnston,  James,  Liverpool,  208 

Kentish,  jun.,  London,  183 

Lamb,  John,  London,  331 

Lament, ,  London,  132 

Laudern,  John,  London,  146 
Lasturgeon,  David,  London,  94 

Lemoyne, ,  London,  370 

Liptrot,  William,  London,  287 

Marshall,  Daniell,  Wakefield,  384 
M'Lennan,  K.,  London,  186 
Millington  &  Co.,  Salop,  391 
Milton,  John,  London,  381 
Molinier  &  Baute,  Geneva,  203 
Moore,  Thomas,  London,  384 

Parker,  R.,  London,  132 

P.,  London,  393 
Parsons,  T.,  London,  186 


435 


436 


INDEX 


Phillips, ,  London,  112 

Preston,  N.,  London,  40 
Prior,  Matthew,  London,  208 

Quare,  London,  153,  326 

Reid,  James,  London,  208 
Rentzsch,  R.  S.,  London,  192 

Rerxoll, ,  Liverpool,  133 

Richardson,  B.,  London,  40,  41 

Romilly, ,  Geneva,  22 

Roumieu,  P.,  Rouen,  325 
Roy,  Julian  le,  Paris,  22 
Peter  le,  London,  309 

Sanderson,  R.,  London,  85 
Slight,  George  H.,  London,  25 
Soley,  Jos.,  London,  195 
Steel,  J.,  London,  336 
E.,  Whitehaven,  371 
Stellas,  John,  London,  66 


Stroud,  Thomas,  London,  99 
Sykes,  Thos.,  London,  186 

Tayler,  Jasper,  London,  266 
Taylor,  Benj.,  London,  186 
Thompson,  Charles,  London,  54 

Upjohn,  James,  London,  331 

Vaucher,  Mons.,  Paris,  22 
Versen,  Charles,  Paris,  89 
Vieyres  and  Aubert,  London,  203 
Vulliamy,  B.  L.,  London,  22 

Walker,  D.,  London,  88 
Charles,  Coventry,  51 
Wallfo,  J.,  London,  146 
Warne,  James,  London,  208 
Williamson,  D.,  London,  40 
Willis,  J.,  Brighthampton,  146 
Winter,  Thomas,  London,  204 
Woods, ,  Shrewsbury,  10 


OLIVER   AND  BOYD,   PRINTERS,    EDINBURGH,   SCOTLAND 


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